U.S. Aims to Triple Nuclear Power by 2050, Leveraging Coal Plant Sites

The Department of Energy sees transitioning coal communities as key to expanding nuclear capacity to meet rising electricity demand and reduce carbon emissions.

• The U.S. plans to add 200 gigawatts of nuclear power, equivalent to building approximately 200 new reactors, to meet increasing electricity demand and enhance energy security.
• Coal plant sites are being considered for new nuclear reactors due to existing infrastructure and experienced workforce, potentially reducing costs by up to 30%.
• Constellation Energy is set to restart Three Mile Island's Unit 1 by 2028, with Microsoft committing to purchase the plant's electricity for its data centers.
• The Department of Energy study indicates coal and nuclear sites could accommodate up to 269 gigawatts of new nuclear power, depending on reactor sizes and types.
• Restarts of shuttered nuclear plants like Three Mile Island and Palisades are seen as crucial steps, though the focus remains on deploying new reactors to meet future demand.

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