Massive volumes of carbon-free electricity are generated by nuclear energy, protecting the purity of the air. It supports numerous non-electric applications, from the medical industry to space research, and it provides electricity to populations in 28 U.S. states.

The Office of Nuclear Energy within the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) concentrates its research primarily on preserving the current fleet of reactors, creating new cutting-edge reactor technologies, and enhancing the nuclear fuel cycle in order to increase the sustainability of our energy supply and boost the U.S. economy.

Problems with Nuclear Energy

PUBLIC CONSCIENCE

The public occasionally perceives commercial nuclear power as an unstable or risky process. This impression is frequently formed as a result of three worldwide nuclear mishaps, a mistaken association with nuclear weapons, and how it is portrayed in well-known television programmes and motion pictures.

To improve the overall performance of these technologies and lower the quantity of nuclear waste produced, DOE and its national labs are collaborating with businesses to create new reactors and fuels.

In order to enlighten the public about the advantages of nuclear energy, DOE also seeks to disseminate accurate, fact-based information about nuclear energy through its STEM outreach and social media initiatives.

TRANSPORT, STORAGE, AND DISPOSAL OF USED FUEL

Many individuals see old gasoline as a rising issue and worry about how to transport, store, and dispose of it. All commercial used fuel, which is presently safely held at 76 reactor or storage sites in 34 states, is ultimately disposed of by DOE along with all related transportation. Until Congress decides on a long-term disposal option, this gasoline can safely be stored at these locations for the foreseeable future.

The DOE is actively assessing the locations of nuclear power plant sites and the local transportation network to support the ultimate removal of used fuel from these sites. In order to facilitate future large-scale transportation of old gasoline, it is also creating new, particularly constructed railcars.

BUILDER OF NEW POWER PLANT

Stakeholders may find it discouraging to build a nuclear power plant. Reactor designs that use conventional technology are regarded as massive infrastructure investments. Public interest has also been diminished by high capital expenditures, lengthy lead times, approvals for licenses and regulations, and building delays.

The DOE is retraining its nuclear workforce by assisting Plant Vogtle in Waynesboro, Georgia, in building two new reactors. Since more than 30 years have passed, the units represent the first brand-new reactors to start construction in the country. At its busiest, the expansion project will accommodate up to 9,000 workers, and when the new units start operating in 2023, it will add 800 permanent employment to the site.

A HIGH COST OF OPERATION

The nuclear business is finding it hard to compete in today's challenging market conditions. Modernizing plant systems to lower operating and maintenance costs while enhancing performance is how the DOE's Light Water Reactor Sustainability (LWRS) programme aims to overcome these financial obstacles. The programme seeks to diversify plant products through non-electric applications such water desalination and hydrogen production in addition to its materials research that supports the long-term operation of the country's fleet of reactors.

Additionally, DOE is collaborating with businesses to create new fuels and materials known as accident tolerant fuels. These new fuels might improve plant performance, enabling quicker responses and generating less waste. By 2025, fuels that are accident-tolerant may be used extensively.