TECHNOLOGICAL AND REGULATORY INNOVATION KEY TO REBUILDING OUR ELECTRICAL INFRASTRUCTURE

摘要

The electrical infrastructure in the U.S. is under great pressure. Over 70% of our electric power comes from fossil fuels, with nearly half our national electric power generated by burning coal. Concerns over climate change and the release of carbon into the atmosphere are leading to public pressure for restrictions on fossil fuel plants.rnThe effect on the electric power generation market is apparent. In 2005, approximately 150 new coal fired power plants were planned in the U.S. By 2009, over half of those had been canceled.rnNearly 20% of our electric generating capacity is provided by nuclear plants. While nuclear plants do not release carbon into the atmosphere, our nuclear power inventory is over 30 years old.