Wright acknowledged the challenges associated with nuclear power, such as the environmental impact of uranium mining and the management of spent fuel. He mentioned ongoing efforts to find long-term storage solutions and the need to reduce regulatory barriers to advance next-generation nuclear technologies. Both the Trump and Biden administrations have supported nuclear energy as a means to achieve energy goals without increasing greenhouse gas emissions, with Biden setting a target to triple nuclear power by 2050. Wright advocates for collaboration between private businesses and the government to facilitate the development of small modular reactors as part of the solution.
Key takeaways:
- U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright emphasizes the importance of reliable and affordable electricity to support the growing demands of the technology sector, particularly in artificial intelligence.
- Nuclear power is highlighted as a crucial component of the energy mix, with the U.S. generating more nuclear electricity than any other country, supplying close to 20% of the nation's total annual electricity since 1990.
- Challenges surrounding nuclear power include environmental concerns related to uranium mining and the management of spent nuclear fuel, with ongoing debates about temporary storage solutions in New Mexico and West Texas.
- The Biden administration aims to triple nuclear power in the U.S. by 2050, supporting the development of next-generation small modular reactors as part of the solution to meet energy demands without emitting greenhouse gases.