The Case for Nuclear Energy
Table of Contents
Did you know nuclear energy has supplied roughly one-fifth of America’s electricity annually since 1990? Honestly, I didn’t until I started researching, and that’s the issue. Despite powering millions of homes for decades, nuclear energy is often overlooked in conversation about future energy production.
Today, we’ll explore why nuclear energy is one of the most promising paths toward a reliable, efficient, and clean energy future.
How Reliable is Nuclear Energy?
Nuclear energy is reliable. According to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), nuclear power has the highest capacity factor of any major energy source, with nuclear plants operating at maximum output more than 92 percent of the time.
To put that into perspective, natural gas capacity factor is roughly 57 percent, and coal sits at around 42 percent. That’s a big drop. The differences become even more drastic when looking at renewable energy sources. Wind operates at about a 35 percent capacity factor, and solar at just above 24 percent.1
How Clean is Nuclear?
Nuclear energy isn’t only the most reliable source available; it is also by far the largest source of clean energy in the United States. As of June 2024, nuclear power generated nearly 775 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity annually, accounting for almost half of the nation’s carbon-free electricity; and as stated early, 1/5th of Americas electricity production. According to the DOE, it prevents more than 471 million metric tons of carbon emissions each year, the equivalent to removing 100 million cars from the road.2
Even with its long lifecycle, nuclear energy remains one of the cleanest sources of energy. From mining uranium, constructing the plant, operation, and decommissioning, its lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions are comparable to wind, and lower than solar.
What Can Nuclear Do for the Job Market?
Nuclear energy is also a great economic driver. Each nuclear power plant supports 800 high-paying permanent jobs. Across the country’s 57 nuclear plants, workers’ salaries are roughly 50% higher than the average for other jobs in the electricity generation space.3 Overall, the nuclear industry supports nearly half a million jobs throughout the U.S.
How Does Nuclear Energy Affect National Security?
A strong domestic nuclear industry is essential for both America’s energy security, and our national security.4 The United States pioneered nuclear technology, but countries like China, Russia, and France are quickly bridging the gap with rapid, large-scale developments. Maintaining American industry leadership should be the priority and will help foster high standards, keeping the industry regulated and effective.
With the goals of nonproliferation, nuclear safety, and energy independence, America must be an integral part of the global nuclear market. Doing so would also help reduce our heavy dependence on foreign fossil fuels, which has now become more of an issue with the Iran War.
What Are the Drawbacks and Next Steps for Nuclear?
To be clear, we understand that nuclear energy comes with its own challenges. Concerns about waste disposal, safety, construction costs, and project timelines are valid and deserve serious discussion, and we will examine these more in-depth in the future. With that said, RDM believes these challenges shouldn’t prevent us from recognizing the potential of nuclear power.
In our ever-evolving world where electricity is in constant demand, the United States needs a comprehensive energy strategy that prioritizes reliability, affordability, environmental responsibility, and national security. That means pursuing all viable sources of energy and investing in technology that can make energy creation cleaner and quicker. Nuclear energy must be part of that solution.
Key Takeaways
- Nuclear energy supplies a fifth of the US’ energy, more than every other form of renewable energy.
- Nuclear power plants create many high paying permanent jobs.
- Being a world leader in nuclear energy and research is vital to national security and remaining independent of foreign nuclear programs.
- Nuclear comes with challenges of waste and safety, but the pros outweigh the cons of ensuring America has a comprehensive energy strategy.
Common Questions About Nuclear Energy
Is nuclear energy clean?
Yes. Nuclear energy remains one of the cleanest forms of energy production.
Why is nuclear more reliable than solar or wind?
Nuclear is more reliable because it operates at a higher capacity for more time. The wind might not always be blowing, and the sun might not always be shining, but nuclear can produce electricity consistently.
What are the drawbacks of nuclear?
Concerns about waste disposal, safety, construction costs, and project timelines are valid and deserve serious discussion.
Is nuclear a good investment?
Yes. Nuclear power is a vital part of a comprehensive energy strategy. Nuclear production is clean, can stimulate the economy and create jobs, improve national security and reduce our dependence of foreign energy.
Sources
- Office of Nuclear Energy. “Nuclear Power Is the Most Reliable Energy Source and It’s Not Even Close.” U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Nuclear Energy, 24 Mar. 2021, https://www.energy.gov/ne/articles/nuclear-power-most-reliable-energy-source-and-its-not-even-close. ↩︎
- US Department of Energy. “Advantages and Challenges of Nuclear Energy.” Office of Nuclear Energy, U.S. Department of Energy, 11 June 2024, https://www.energy.gov/ne/articles/advantages-and-challenges-nuclear-energy. ↩︎
- US Energy Information Administration. “U.S. Nuclear Industry.” Eia.Gov, U.S. Energy Information Administration, 24 Aug. 2023, https://www.eia.gov/energyexplained/nuclear/us-nuclear-industry.php. ↩︎
- Editors of ProCon. “Nuclear Power | Pros, Cons, Argument, Debate, Alternative Energy, Fossil Fuels, Weapons, & Environment.” Encyclopedia Britannica, 12 Dec. 2025, https://www.britannica.com/procon/nuclear-power-debate#ref459899. ↩︎
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