To reduce carbon emissions 2/3 of the U.S. states are considering nuclear energy

As climate change forces states across the country to drastically reduce their use of fossil fuels, many have come to the conclusion that solar, wind and other renewables may not be enough to maintain power, making nuclear power stand out.

In order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and avoid the worst effects of warming, states are gradually abandoning the use of coal, oil and natural gas, and nuclear energy is becoming a way to fill the energy gap, the Associated Press reported. Some companies, including one founded by Microsoft founder Bill Gates, are developing smaller, cheaper reactors to supplement the grids of communities across the country.

A nuclear reactor at the Pacific Gas and Electric Company in California. (Image source: Associated Press)

However, nuclear energy also has some potential problems, especially reflective waste, which can remain dangerous for thousands of years. But proponents say the risk can be minimized, and nuclear power is especially important for maintaining a steady supply of electricity at a time when the world is struggling to get rid of fossil fuels that emit carbon dioxide.

An Associated Press survey of energy policies in all 50 states and the District of Columbia found that the vast majority (about two-thirds) believe nuclear energy will certainly help replace fossil fuels. The momentum of nuclear power could lead to the expansion of nuclear reactor construction in the United States for the first time in more than 30 years.

About one-third of the states and special districts surveyed said they had no plans to include nuclear energy in green energy, and they chose to increase the use of renewable energy. Energy officials in these states say their goals are achievable with advances in battery storage technology, investments in interstate high-voltage transmission grids, energy-saving initiatives to reduce energy demand, and power provided by hydroelectric dams.

The Biden administration, which has been working hard to take positive steps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, also sees the need to promote the use of nuclear energy. Energy Minister Jennifer Granholm said the government wants to achieve zero-carbon electricity, "which means the full use of energy sources such as nuclear, hydro, geothermal, wind and solar".

The $1 trillion infrastructure plan, which Biden supported and signed last year, will allocate $2.5 billion for advanced nuclear reactor demonstration projects. The Department of Energy says research from Princeton University and the Decarb America Research Initiative shows that nuclear energy is necessary to achieve a carbon-free future. (End)