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Nuclear Energy
- "Does Integrys Energy Group believe nuclear energy is an environmentally responsible choice for the future?"
- Yes, we do.
Background
In the United States, nuclear power plants generate about 20% of the electricity consumers use. These power plants operate similar to fossil-fuel plants, using high-pressure steam to turn a turbine, which spins a generator. Instead of burning coal, natural gas or oil to create steam, nuclear energy uses a process called "fission," or the splitting of atoms. When the atoms split, they produce heat to create steam. Opponents of nuclear energy have concerns about where to store spent fuel and other nuclear waste, how to address safety factors that come with this unique power source, and the cost of building nuclear plants. Proponents, on the other hand, believe the storage of nuclear waste can be managed, the industry has demonstrated safe operation, and the market should determine whether nuclear energy is worth the cost.
The Integrys Viewpoint
In Integrys Energy Group's view, nuclear energy is a viable energy option, with benefits for future generations. To effectively address climate change and other environmental issues, the energy industry needs nuclear power as an option.
We believe:
- Renewable energy and energy efficiency will help meet future energy needs, but they will not be enough. According to the Energy Information Administration, energy use is expected to increase by 30% between 2005 and 2030. New energy generation will be needed. To meet environmental needs and significantly reduce CO2 emissions, new generation must use low- or non-carbon emitting resources. Studies by the Electric Power Research Institute and National Petroleum Council conclude that to accomplish both of these goals — increase energy generation and decrease emissions — we will need alternatives beyond renewable energy and energy efficiency. Nuclear energy, as one alternative, can produce large volumes of energy with no carbon emissions.
- All low- or non-carbon emitting energy resources have benefits and drawbacks. As a nation, if we are going to decrease carbon emissions, we need to shift to using low- or non-carbon energy resources, and plan to shut down some existing resources. Several low- or non-carbon resources exist, including hydroelectric power; renewable energy, such as wind energy, solar power, biofuels and others; natural gas, with lower carbon emissions; integrated gasification combined cycle (IGCC) generation with carbon capture and storage; coal generation with carbon capture and storage; and nuclear energy. All of these have benefits for the environment. All types of electric generation have benefits and drawbacks, including limited availability, and higher costs. All energy sources need to be considered in a combined solution to a sustainable energy future.
- Nuclear energy is a viable solution. According to the World Nuclear Association, about 444 nuclear plants are in operation worldwide, including 103 plants in the United States. Additionally, 222 nuclear reactors are currently proposed worldwide; 93 are planned and approved; and 34 are under construction. In the United Sates, 25 nuclear reactors are proposed, and 7 are planned and approved. We have been especially cautious in comparison with the rest of the world, but with new issues confronting us, communities and the energy industry need to evaluate all alternatives for reducing CO2 emissions, nuclear energy being one of them.
Our Actions
Integrys Energy Group does not have plans to build nuclear generation, but we do support the concept of bringing this non-carbon emitting resource into the energy mix. We are:
- Recommending that Wisconsin lift its nuclear moratorium. As a member of the Wisconsin Governor's Task Force on Global Warming, Integrys Energy Group presented the benefits of lifting the state's current moratorium on building new nuclear units, so the study of nuclear power can be part of the state utilities' energy planning process.
- Including nuclear energy in our fuel mix. Our companies no longer own nuclear generation. Wisconsin Public Service sold the Kewaunee Nuclear Power Plant in 2005 because we believed it could be managed most effectively by a company operating a fleet of nuclear plants. The utility continues to purchase energy from the Kewaunee plant as a cost-effective and non-carbon emitting resource for our customers. Under the right circumstances, we may consider some form of ownership in a nuclear facility in the future.
- Joining the Electric Power Research Institute in its efforts to support nuclear energy. Integrys is a longstanding member of the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI). EPRI and its members perform valuable research to improve the performance and safety of nuclear plants. They also support the building of new nuclear plants in the United States.
Resources
"Nuclear Power Challenges and Opportunities,"
Electric Power Research Institute,
accessed 7 August 2008.
"Energy from Nuclear Power,"
Edison Electric Institute,
accessed 16 June 2008.