Renaissance of Nuclear Energy in the USA: Opportunities, Challenges and Future Research Needs

摘要

The future of nuclear energy is an important issue for many countries intending to reduce their dependence on fossil fuels and achieve the reduction targets for green house gas (GHG) emissions. As of June, 2008, there were 439 operating nuclear reactors with a total generating capacity of 372 GWe and 42 power reactors under construction in 15 countries. In the USA, a total of 104 nuclear reactors currently produce 20% of the electricity and account for at least 70% of all GHG-free electricity generation. Their performance has been improving steadily over the past 20 years and has now reached 90% capacity factor. The Energy Policy Act of 2005 authorized future nuclear R&D and provided incentives for construction of new nuclear plants. As a result, there are now 17 COL applications for construction of as many as 26 new reactors in the USA. This paper summarizes some of the opportunities, challenges and future research needs for achieving and sustaining nuclear renaissance in the USA.