Austin, TX — A new set of five primers released by Life:Powered today explores the significant potential for nuclear energy expansion in Texas, a state that has benefitted from reliable electricity generation from nuclear for decades. Nuclear power stands out as the most energy-dense, reliable, and safest form of electricity production, currently providing nearly 20% of the nation’s electricity through 94 operational reactors.

As Texas faces the potential for startling electricity demand growth over the next decade, this research highlights the urgent need for innovative energy solutions. The findings underscore how nuclear energy can effectively meet new demand while addressing reliability concerns.

Key Highlights from the Research:

  • Operational Safety and Reliability: The papers detail the extensive safety features of current nuclear reactors, emphasizing advancements in both active and passive safety systems. With over 18,500 reactor-years of operation, the track record for safety continues to improve under strict regulatory oversight.
  • Regulatory Challenges: Despite its benefits, nuclear power development faces significant regulatory hurdles established after historical accidents. Aside from badly needed reforms at the federal level, the research calls for the Texas Legislature to help companies navigate the regulatory process and improve the permitting process to foster nuclear growth.
  • Economic Viability: With the cost of building and operating nuclear power plants being a major concern, the papers compare nuclear energy costs to market prices in ERCOT, revealing the challenges posed by volatile energy prices and the need for market reform to ensure the reliability attributes of nuclear are properly valued.
  • Advanced Reactor Designs: The research explains how advanced nuclear technologies, such as small modular reactors (SMRs) and microreactors, can provide enhanced safety, reduced costs, and flexibility in deployment.
  • Policy Recommendations: The papers propose actionable strategies for Texas to lead in nuclear development, including leveraging military resources for pilot projects and establishing a centralized permitting system to improve efficiency and coordination.

Conclusion:
The next decade will be a pivotal time for Texas to harness the full potential of nuclear power. By addressing regulatory barriers and investing in advanced technologies, Texas can ensure a resilient and reliable energy future that meets the demands of its growing population and economy.

To Download the full Brief, click here.