Hundreds of US coal power plant sites could convert to nuclear power stations, adding new jobs, increasing economic benefit, and significantly improving environmental conditions, a study by the US Department of Energy concludes.
This “coal-to-nuclear” transition could add a substantial amount of clean electricity to the grid, helping the US reach its net-zero emissions goals by 2050.
The study says costs, schedules and economic characteristics of coal-to-nuclear projects will vary widely, according to their differing purposes and technologies.
Building a new nuclear plant on an existing coal site could result in savings of up to 35% over construction on a greenfield site.
This “coal-to-nuclear” transition could add a substantial amount of clean electricity to the grid, helping the US reach its net-zero emissions goals by 2050.
The study says costs, schedules and economic characteristics of coal-to-nuclear projects will vary widely, according to their differing purposes and technologies.
Building a new nuclear plant on an existing coal site could result in savings of up to 35% over construction on a greenfield site.
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