“Doe Report Finds Hundreds of Retiring Coal Plant Sites Could Convert to Nuclear.” Energy.gov, 13 Sept. 2022, https://www.energy.gov/ne/articles/doe-report-finds-hundreds-retiring-coal-plant-sites-could-convert-nuclear.
In an attempt to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, the Department of Energy (DOE) released a report on the process by which coal plant sites are being converted into nuclear power plants. The study found 157 retired and 237 active coal plants that be candidates for this alteration. The change would be very costly however, some of the preexisting materials could be reused, making it less expensive than building a nuclear plant from scratch. Additionally, this would provide many more jobs than the coal industry did. A case study concluded that a region on nuclear energy could lessen their greenhouse gas emissions by up to 86% which is a significant step toward cleaner energy. Additionally, the switch to nuclear energy would be a lot more sustainable and long-lasting. Because clean energy is in the perceived future, this change may happen very soon.
I think that it is a good idea to start figuring out the logistics of mass-scale nuclear power plants. Coal plants are not ideal because they are very environmentally harmful and are only a short-term solution to the energy crisis. I’m glad that they are looking at repurposing coal mines because after they are abandoned, all of the material that went to waste could’ve been used for other projects. I’m curious as to how much cheaper it would be to make a nuclear power plant from a coal plant compared to making it from scratch. When working properly, nuclear energy is much better for the environment and more reliable than coal so I hope that they begin to roll out this transition soon.
I think this is one of the best ways to create more nuclear power plants, as the shell and some of the systems can be salvaged along with the transmission lines emanating from the plant. Do you think this trend will catch on globally or is a localized phenomenon?
Hi, thanks for your comment. I think that this is a probable solution for nations that already greatly rely on nuclear energy — like the United States — but less so for other nations have already started phasing out nuclear energy.
I agree I think this is the best way that we can transition from non-renewable to renewable. I think that this will provide a lot of jobs and clean energy. Did the article mentioned how coal plants are transferred to a nuclear plant? what are the possible risks in reusing coal plant instead of making nuclear plants from scratch?