The Benefits of Nuclear Power in Decarbonizing the Grid

1. The Benefits of Nuclear Power in Decarbonizing the Grid Nuclear power has the potential to play a major role in decarbonizing the grid and helping to mitigate the effects of climate change [1][2][3][4][5]. Nuclear power plants produce baseload electricity with no output of carbon, making them a much more efficient and effective way to reduce emissions than switching from coal to natural gas[5] provide best green energy solutions. Small modular reactors (SMRs) offer many advantages owing to their small size, flexibility, and complementarity to renewables[1]. They can be scaled to meet the grid size and have benefits such as district heating and hydrogen production[2]. Coupled with a rapid increase in the capacity of renewables and energy storage, expanding nuclear energy could be a viable pathway to rapidly decarbonize the grid by 2035 [2]. Nuclear power plants also contribute to electricity security in multiple ways. They can adjust their operations to follow demand and supply shifts, helping keep power grids stable[3]. In addition, nuclear power is uniquely positioned to tackle challenges related to decarbonizing the grid due to its safety, reliability, small land footprint, and zero carbon emissions[2]. In order for nuclear power to effectively contribute towards decarbonizing the grid, policy makers must create incentives for emissions-free energy such as direct federal investment or market incentives[2]. A Princeton University report estimates that about 260 GW of nuclear capacity would need to be constructed by 2050 in order for full decarbonization of the electric grid[2]. Overall, nuclear power has many benefits that make it an important part of any plan for decarbonizing the grid. It is reliable, safe, produces no carbon emissions, and can help keep power grids stable. With proper incentives from policy makers and regulators, nuclear energy could be an effective tool in mitigating climate change. Reference: 1. Nuclear Energy for a Net Zero World (https://www.iaea.org/sites/default/files/21/10/nuclear-energy-for-a-net-zero-world.pdf) 2. Nuclear Energy Meets Climate Change (https://kleinmanenergy.upenn.edu/research/publications/nuclear-energy-meets-climate-cha nge/)

2. 3. Nuclear Power in a Clean Energy System – Analysis - IEA (https://www.iea.org/reports/nuclear-power-in-a-clean-energy-system) 4. Nuclear Power Is Critical for the World's Climate Crisis (https://news.bloomberglaw.com/environment-and-energy/nuclear-power-is-critical-for-the-w orlds-climate-crisis) 5. Why Nuclear Power Must Be Part of the Energy Solution (https://e360.yale.edu/features/why-nuclear-power-must-be-part-of-the-energy-solution-envir onmentalists-climate)