Nuclear Power Update: Closing Nuclear Plants Creates Problems, Too

摘要

"At-risk" U.S. nuclear power plants could be thrown a slippery lifeline, and it stems from tough-to-meet environmental mandates and grid reliability concerns, according to a Nov. 10 report from Moody's Investors Services. "Four US (sic) nuclear plants retired early over the last two years and several more are at risk of closing because of low power prices, high fixed costs and aging equipment," the report states. "However, federal environmental mandates and state regulatory incentives aimed at supporting grid reliability and fuel diversity could ultimately extend the operating life of some of these 'at-risk' nuclear plants, a potential credit positive for their owners."