As I watch the continued coverage of the aftermath of the March 11 earthquake and tsunami in Japan, I am deeply saddened by the devastation and loss of life left in its wake. As the Japanese bury their dead and begin the restoration process, they are also faced with adversity of another magnitude with the impending nuclear crisis at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Plant. It is unfortunate that publicity surrounding the nuclear situation has overshadowed the enormity of human upheaval in that country.
With events rapidly shifting, it can be difficult to get a clear sense of what is happening at Fukushima and of what to expect going forward, but I am certain that the situation will have an impact on the future of nuclear power in the U.S.
In the past, President Obama has proposed expanding nuclear power in the U.S. as a green energy source. In fact, the president touted Japan’s push toward nuclear energy at a town hall meeting in 2009. The White House is showing no signs of backing away from nuclear energy. For now.
In light of the unfolding nuclear event, the Obama Administration has asked the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to conduct a safety check on U.S. nuclear plants. Alabama Senators Richard Shelby and Jeff Sessions have pledged support of the continued operation and new construction of nuclear power plants, with additional attention on safety. Nuclear opponents are using the Fukushima plant as a springboard from which to launch continued attempts to eliminate nuclear power in the U.S.
Nuclear power is increasingly viewed as the only realistic alternative for providing large amounts of carbon-free power, with no air pollutants or greenhouse gas emissions. Nuclear power has one of the lowest-cost sources of baseload electricity – to provide around-the-clock electricity.
With demand for electric power continuing to rise and concerns over climate change likely to place more restrictions on the use of fossil fuels, nuclear power plays a key role in PowerSouth’s long-term power supply plan. While it is noble to think that renewable energy sources like wind, solar and biomass are viable resources for meeting future energy needs, when you consider volatile fuel markets and availability in our region, all roads point to nuclear power as the only feasible energy source in today’s regulatory environment.
In 2009, PowerSouth entered a 20-year contract for the purchase of 125 megawatts of nuclear power from the Municipal Energy Authority of Georgia (MEAG) generated at Vogtle Nuclear Units 3 and 4 under construction near Augusta, Ga. The units are scheduled to become commercial in 2016 and 2017, respectively. At press time, construction was progressing on schedule, but recent events have raised questions about possible delays.
The primary question is – will the U.S. continue to support new nuclear construction?
As we look toward the future, it is imperative that PowerSouth maintain a balanced portfolio of power supply resources and keep a watchful eye on legislative and regulatory developments that could hinder our mission to provide affordable, reliable energy to consumers.
Gary Smith
PowerSouth President & CEO
