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The U.S. Nuclear Energy Program remains a critical component of the nation’s electricity production, supplying 20% of the electricity with only 10% of the country's capacity. This report highlights the performance record of nuclear reactors, showcasing a 90.5% capacity factor, and substantial public support for nuclear energy. It outlines ongoing and upcoming projects, including two nuclear power plants under construction, and reviews public opinion trends on nuclear energy. Additionally, the report details the administration's actions to support nuclear energy expansion and the development of advanced reactor technologies.
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U.S. Nuclear Program – A Status Report APPA Board of Directors MeetingMarvin S. FertelPresident and Chief Executive OfficerSeptember 14, 2010
Sustaining Excellent Reactor Performance Record electricity production in recent years Produces 20% of electricity with 10% of U.S. capacity 2009: 799 billion kilowatt-hours Most reliable electricity producer at 90% capacity factor Nuclear energy dominates CO2-free electricity portfolio 2009: 90.5% capacity factor
Strong Public Support Continues 70% Definitely Build New Reactors 74% Favor Use of Nuclear Energy 87% Favor Renewing Licenses 87% Important for Our Energy Future 77% Acceptable at Nearest Site Source: Bisconti Research Inc./Gfk Roper March 2010 poll of 1,000 U.S. adults; margin of error is +/- 3%
Bisconti Research, Inc. survey of 1,000 U.S. adults; margin of error +/- 3 percentage points U.S. Public Opinion 1983 – 2010: Favorability to the Use of Nuclear Energy for Electricity Annual Averages Until 2010, Percentages
Bisconti Research, Inc. survey of 1,000 U.S. adults; margin of error +/- 3 percentage points U.S. Public Opinion: Acceptability of Adding a New Reactor Next to Nearest Operating Nuclear Power Plant (2005 – 2010) Percentages
Nuclear Plant Uprates Uprate Highlights • 5,744 MW of power uprates approved since 1977 • 3,526 MW of uprates under review and expected to be implemented by 2014 • Plant Completions • Watts Bar 1123 Mwe (under construction) • Bellefonte Unit 1 & 2 1256 Mwe (construction suspended – being considered) Source: U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission
Preparing for Longer-Term Operation 21 Intend to Renew 18 Under NRC Review 6 Unannounced • DOE and EPRI collaborating on extended operation • Industry investing in extended operation through replacements, upgrades and uprates • EIA’s 2010 Annual Energy Outlook reference case assumes 41 nuclear units will operate beyond 60 years License Renewals Continue ... 59 Granted Source: U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission
Obama Administration ActionsThat Support Nuclear Energy Expansion • Significantly improved and expanded the loan guarantee program • Announced $8.3 billion loan guarantee for Southern Co.’s $2.0 billion for AREVA Uranium Enrichment Plant • $36 billion increase in loan volume in FY 2011 budget • $73.8 million in clean energy manufacturing tax credits awarded too nuclear manufacturers • Nominated three qualified candidates for the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission
Snapshot of New Nuclear Plant Development • 22 reactors under active review at NRC • First licenses late 2011, early 2012 • Nuclear plant design certification • Three design certifications in progress • Two previously certified designs being updated • First movers have started site preparation, ordered long-lead components • Expect four to eight reactors in commercial operation 2016-2018 • U.S. manufacturing supply chain growing
Cost of Electricity from Nuclear and Gas-Fired Capacity Source: NEI Financial Model PF – Project Finance, RB – Rate Base, CWIP – Construction Work in Progress, LG – Loan Guarantee
Learning Curve Opportunity – Korean Example 100% Construction Cost (% of First of a Kind) 94% 82% 80% Construction Duration (Months) 63% 63% 39 Goal 1995 1998 2002 2010 2004 ~ 2011 Shin Kori 1, 2 Ulchin 5, 6 Yonggwang 5, 6 Ulchin 3, 4 Yonggwang 3, 4 Shin Wolsong 1, 2
Reactors Under Construction and Planned Worldwide • Totals: • 61 units under construction* • 149 units on order or planned** Sources: International Atomic Energy Agency for units under construction and World Nuclear Association for units on order or planned. *Chart includes only countries with units under construction. **Countries planning new units are not all included in the chart. Planned units = Approvals, funding or major commitment in place, mostly expected in operation within 8-10 years. Updated: 8/10
Advanced Reactor Technologies • Small modular reactors (25-350 Mwe) • Light water, high temperature and fast reactors • Generation, process heat and improve fuel use • Could be under construction in 10 years • Built in modules at a factory and shipped to site • T&D planning activities reduced • Potential replacements for old inefficient coal plants • Time to market -- six years assuming an ESP • Need more design information before economic assessments can be completed
Summary of Studies on Climate Change Mitigation New Nuclear Generation Capacity Required *Based on a 1,400 MW average nuclear plant.
Used Nuclear Fuel: The New Reality • Administration terminating the Yucca Mountain project • Blue ribbon commission to develop recommendations on used fuel management • Interim storage safe, secure for indefinite period of time • Used fuel issues not an impediment to operating reactors or new plant development On-site storage for used fuel at the Surry station in Virginia
Political Agenda • Relationship strengthening/building and education • NRC Commissioners Nomination/Confirmation • Energy Policy Positions • Financing platform • Tax issues • Licensing clarifications • Nuclear Waste Policy Act
Political Agenda • Oppose imposition of inappropriate new costs • D&D tax • Increase in decommissioning fund tax rate • NRC oversight
Conclusions • Current 104 units sustained good performance • Industry pursuing plant uprates ~ 3500 MW’s+ • Industry pursuing license renewal – all 104 units • Greater than 60 years operation being explored • New plants – 4-8 reactors in commercial operation 2016 – 2018 • New small modular reactors being developed • Significant expansion of nuclear necessary to meet 80 percent CO₂ reduction by 2050