Assessing the Election’s Impacts on Nuclear

By Valerie Gardner, Nucleation Capital Managing Partner

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Presidential elections are always important and this year's election is widely considered particularly critical and unusual. There are vast differences of opinion on matters of great national importance—from voting rights and health policies to international relations and national security policies. Less well litigated is where these candidates stand on matters of energy security, the energy transition and future deployments of both traditional and advanced nuclear power. How will the differences in character, knowledge and respect for facts, science and experts play out on U.S. policies towards nuclear power? Based upon various sources, it appears that the election will have a significant impact. For those still making up their minds, this summary assessment may help clarify how numerous pundits view these differences.

Summary

Nuclear energy has enjoyed enduring bipartisan support across both Democratic and Republican administrations for years now. The Congress has passed, with overwhelming bipartisan majorities, bills aimed at modernizing and accelerating commercialization of new nuclear.

Nevertheless, in 2024, the two presidential candidates bring potentially unconventional approaches that may differ from the standard positions of their respective parties. Republicans have long valued America's nuclear capacity and have seen the need for the US to maintain leadership to boost both national security and to expand our ability to export our technologies. They recognize that the U.S. needs to counter the geopolitical influence of adversaries like Russia and China which are offering to help developing nations with nuclear power as a means of increasing their influence within those countries.

Democrats have also, if more recently, come around to support nuclear. Both the Obama White House and the Biden Administration have provided broad support for the industry and particularly for the acceleration of next-generation nuclear technologies and American leadership in the energy transition. Front and center of their support is the recognition that nuclear power is a critical, differentiated component of a reliable, 24/7 low-carbon energy grid. They support its expansion primarily as a mechanism to meet growing energy needs and fortify grid reliability while reducing carbon emissions and addressing climate change, in tandem with renewables.

The question then of which candidate is more likely to support the continued acceleration of nuclear power is thus wrapped up with policies relating to energy security, fossil fuels, geopolitical competition with Russia and China, and support for addressing climate change. The Inflation Reduction Act passed in 2022 and signed by President Biden marked the Congress' single largest investment in the economy, energy security and climate change and is widely seen as the most important piece of climate legislation ever passed. It simultaneously rebuilds the U.S. industrial capabilities while incentivizing the growth of clean energy technologies including domestic nuclear power. It is already making an enormous and beneficial impact on the U.S. nuclear indsutry.

Kamala Harris, while possibly more progressive than Biden, has shown her support for Biden's approach to incentivizing the clean energy transition through the IRA, Biden's signature piece of climate legislation, which has received staunch support from industry. She is unlikely to make many if any changes to the IRA's clean energy technology-neutral Investment Tax Credits and Production Tax Credits or reduce the billions in loan guarantees available through the Loan Program Office, which have already stimulated significant investment in protecting and restarting existing reactors.

Because of Biden’s Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act’s Civil Nuclear Credit program, California is proceeding with the relicensing of Diablo Canyon, Holtec has chosen to restart, rather than decommission, Michigan’s Palisades nuclear power plant, Constellation has inked a deal with Microsoft to restart Three Mile Island Unit 2, and NextEra Energy is actively considering the restart of Duane Arnold. Meanwhile, Google has signed a deal to buy power from advanced nuclear reactors being designed by Kairos Power and Amazon has signed a similar deal with X-energy, marking the first corporate purchases of next-generation nuclear, thanks to highly motivating tax and financing incentives available through the IRA and LPO.

Harris is clearly committed to addressing climate change. There is no evidence that she rejects the clean energy tech-agnostic approach developed during her term as Vice President, which levels the playing field for nuclear energy as a clean energy source. Harris recognizes the geopolitical importance of America's ability to compete with Russia to produce our own nuclear fuel supply and to provide nuclear technologies to developing nations seeking to build their clean energy capacity but wanting to remain free of Russian or Chinese influence.

In contrast, Donald Trump has repeatedly called climate change a "hoax," and/or a good thing and cares little about reducing U.S. or global emissions. He previously walked away from the Paris accord and would likely try to repeal, roll back or dilute the IRA. He's publicly allied himself with the fossil fuel industry and—in exchange for donations—has promised to roll back EPA regulations and help them "drill, drill, drill."

There is almost no doubt that Trump would step the U.S. away from its leadership role on climate and this time, that may mean reversing the U.S.'s pledge to triple the amount of nuclear power. This would seriously undermine both the U.S. nuclear industry's momentum to expand to meet growing demand as well as international progress. Given Trump’s overt courting of Putin, he may be disinclined to rebuild the U.S.'s nuclear fuel production capacity or seek to accelerate or support American efforts to build nuclear projects internationally in competition with Russia.

None of this would be good for nuclear power. Any potential efforts to rollback the IRA would slow restoration, development and deployment of reactors. Boosting the fossil fuel industry, whether through supporting expanded access to federal land or price manipulation to improve profitability would have severe impacts on the energy transition. Trump's recent acknowledgement that he didn't believe nuclear was safe also belies the stated "commitment" to nuclear energy expressed by his surrogates and gives considerable fodder to those who persist in opposing nuclear. His shoot-from-the-hip, truth-be-damned leadership style and embrace of conspiracy theorists, contrasts starkly with Harris' stated willingness to consult with scientific experts and even give those who disagree with her a seat at the table.

In sumary, Trump's likely propensity to undermine the IRA, oppose climate action and backtrack on US pledges to triple nuclear, his support for expanding fossil fuel production and his continued disdain for science and technical experts, poses extreme risks to the momentum generated within the nuclear sector over the last few years. Trump's ignorance of nuclear energy's exceptional safety performance make him unlikely to provide Oval Office leadership either to the industry or the NRC in support of the bipartisan ADVANCE Act, signed into law by Biden.

In contrast, a Harris Administration would likely remain on the current climate glideslope for leadership, technology-neutral funding and the U.S.'s nuclear tripling momentum as stimulated by the Biden Administration. It may be that a Harris Administration does not prioritize nuclear's growth or add billions in new accelerants as Biden has done, but she will not try to trash it. Having been briefed by senior energy advisors over the last four years about the importance of nuclear, she is well-informed and understands the importance of Biden's initiatives for addressing climate.

Based on this analysis, those who support an expansion of nuclear power and enduring progress towards transitioning away from fossil fuels should thus prefer to see Harris elected, rather than Trump, and the existing policies continued.

Sources

You can find more detailed information about the basis for this Summary Assessment from these sources.

Forbes, Trump Plans To Rescind Funds For IRA Law’s Climate Provisions, But May Keep Drug Price Measures, by Joshua P. Cohen, Sept. 9, 2024.
Bloomberg, US Economy Will Suffer If IRA Repealed, Solar Maker CEO Says, by Mark Chediak, Oct. 22, 2024.
Politico E&E News, Trump cites cost and risks of building more nuclear plants, by Nico Portuondo, Francisco "A.J." Camacho, Oct. 29, 2024.
Huffington Post, Donald Trump Takes A Skeptical View Of Nuclear Energy On Joe Rogan’s Podcast, by Alexander Kaufman, Oct. 27, 2024
Bloomberg, Trump 2.0 Climate Tipping Points: A guide to what a second Trump White House can—and can't—do to the American effort to slow global warming, by Jennifer A. Dlouhy, Sept. 30, 2024.
Joint Economic Committee, How Project 2025's Health, Education, and Climate Policies Hurt Americans, August 2024.
FactCheck.org, Trump Clings to Inaccurate Climate Change Talking Points, Jessica McDonald, Sept. 9, 2024.
New York Times, Trump Will Withdraw U.S. From Paris Climate Agreement, Michael D. Shear, June 1, 2017
Cipher: Here's how cleantech stacks up in three swing states: Taking stock of Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, Sept. 3, 2024.
Bloomberg Green, Climate Politics: Double-Punch Storms Thrust Climate Into the US Presidential Race, by Zahra Hirji, Oct. 11, 2024.
New York Times, Biden’s Climate Plans Are Stunted After Dejected Experts Fled Trump, by Coral DavenportLisa Friedman and Christopher Flavelle, published Aug. 1, 2021, updated Sept. 20, 2021
Bloomberg, The Donald Trump Interview Transcript (with quote "Green New Scam"), July 16, 2024.
Google: New nuclear clean energy agreement with Kairos Power, by Michael Terrell, Oct. 15, 2024, and Google's The Corporate Role in Accelerating Advanced Clean Electricity Technologies, Sept. 2023.
The New Republic, Trump Pushes Deranged Idea that Climate Change is Good for Real Estate, by Robert McCoy, Sept. 18, 2024.
Grid Brief: What Was Said About Energy During the VP Debate, JD Vance and Tim Walz Discuss Energy and Climate During VP Debate, by Jeff Luse, Oct. 2, 2024.
CNN: Fact check: Sea levels are already rising faster per year than Trump claims they might rise over "next 497 years', by Daniel Dale, June 29, 2024.
CNN: Fact check: Tramp's latest false climate figure is off by more than 1,000 times, by Daniel Dale, April 2023.
Yale Program on Climate Change Communication, YPCCC's Resources on Climate in the 2024 U.S. General Election, by Anthony Leiserowitz, Edward Maibach, Jennifer Carman, Jennifer Marlon, John Kotcher, Seth Rosenthal and Joshua Low, Oct. 8, 2024.
SIGNED: Bipartisan ADVANCE Act to Boost Nuclear Energy Now Law, Senate Committee on Environment & Public Works, July 9, 2024.
Rodgers, Pallone, Carper, Capito Celebrate Signing of Bipartisan Nuclear Energy Bill, the ADVANCE Act, July 9, 2024.
The White House, Bill Signed S. 870, July 9, 2024.
Power Magazine, The ADVANCE Act—Legislation Crucial for a U.S. Nuclear Renaissance—Clears Congress. Here's a Detailed Breakdown by Sonal Patel, June 20, 2024
Sidley Austin LLP, Congress Passes ADVANCE Act to Facilitate U.S. Development of Advanced Nuclear Reactors, June 26, 2024.

February 9, 2024

EU Declares Nuclear to be one of 17 Strategic Decarbonization Technologies

The Council of EU member states and the European Parliament agreed to label nuclear power as a strategic technology together with 16 other technologies declared strategic for the EU’s decarbonization, following months of negotiations in Brussels over the Net-Zero Industry Act (NZIA).

The NZIA aims to speed up the deployment of technologies that can contribute to meeting the EU’s net-zero emissions target. This is seen as a direct response by the EU to the Biden Administration's Inflation Reduction Act and efforts by other countries, including China, to become global leaders in the manufacturing of clean technologies like batteries, heat pumps and solar panels.

The NZIA aims to accelerate permitting procedures for industrial production sites involved in the manufacturing of components needed for renewable energy technologies, but also for nuclear power.

Negotiators representing the Parliament, the Council, and the European Commission confirmed on Tuesday the “strategic” nature of projects relating to nuclear energy, which are included in a single list of 17 net-zero technologies that will benefit from the NZIA.

French MEP Christophe Grudler who took part in the talks for the centrist Renew Europe group in Parliament, explained that each EU country will be sovereign in defining the projects that will be considered strategic on its territory, and thus which will benefit from faster permitting and simplified administrative rules.

However, as a result of the negotiations, “the two types of energy (namely, renewable and nuclear) are finally being treated equally as part of the reindustrialisation process,” Grudler rejoiced.

The agreement encompasses both traditional nuclear nuclear technologies as well as future third and fourth generation designs, i.e. small modular reactors (SMRs) and other types of advanced nuclear reactors and their corresponding fuel cycles.

“The message is clear: the EU recognises that we need nuclear power to achieve the objectives of the Green Deal,” the French MEP told Euractiv.

Read more at EURACTIV's "Nuclear power officially labelled as 'strategic' for EU's decarbonisation," by Paul Messad, February 7, 2024.

See EURACTIV's "EU Parliament backs extensive net-zero industry ‘wishlist’, including nuclear,"by Paul Messad, Nov. 23, 2023.

Published by Nucleation Capital in Advanced Nuclear, Carbon emissions, Climate change, Climate policy, Government support, History Timeline, History-making, International support for nuclear, LINKS, Nuclear financing, Nuclear-inclusive energy policy, Politicians supporting nuclear, Solving climate, Zero emission energy

December 11, 2023

States are Lifting Bans on Nuclear

Illinois became the most recent U.S. state to lift a prior moratorium on building new nuclear power plants but it isn't the only state to do so. Illinois joins West Virginia, Connecticut, Wyoming, Montana, Kentucky and Wisconsin in modifying or eliminating prior restrictions in building new nuclear power plant in state, reducing to ten the number of states which still ban new nuclear construction.

After a three-decade moratorium, Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed HB 2473, legislation passed by overwhelming bipartisan majorities in the Illinois legislature, to allow development of advanced nuclear reactors in the state.

Beginning in 2026, Illinois will allow smaller nuclear reactors—defined as those producing less than 300 megawatts of power—to be built to contribute to the state's ability to increase its generation of carbon-free power and remain a leader in the energy sector.

The legislation which goes into effect on June 1, 2024, calls for a feasibility study on the risks of new nuclear and puts the Illinois Emergency Management Agency Office of Homeland Security in charge of establishing rules reactor decommissioning, monitoring and emergency preparedness related to such projects, in consultation with the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency.

In the words of the bill's sponsors, HB 2473 "will ensure that that [Illinois] can remain a leader in the energy sector by offering us the ability to utilize the amazing advancements in new nuclear energy technology. Lifting [Illinois'] archaic moratorium on new nuclear energy construction will open the door for companies that have been developing new advanced nuclear energy technology the opportunity to invest in Illinois.”

According to the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL), although twelve states had some form of restriction on the construction of new nuclear power facilities as of the end of September 2023, six states have recently modified or repealed those bans, now including Illinois, West Virginia, Connecticut, Montana, Kentucky and Wisconsin.

[Update: By a vote of 34-0 (with coalfield senators joining in support), the Kentucky Senate passed Senate Bill 198 to establish the Kentucky Nuclear Energy Development Authority, create a nuclear energy ecosystem, and identify the best sites for nuclear. The bill goes to the house next, where it is expected to pass easily with the current Republican supermajority.]

Matthew Wald, writing in the May 25th, 2023 Build Nuclear Now Campaign newsletter wrote that "Illinois gets more than half its electricity from nuclear power, and it produces more electricity from nuclear reactors than any other state—about one-eighth of the national total. . . . The state has numerous industries that could decarbonize using nuclear electricity or heat." Previously, Governor Pritzker helped to protect several of Illinois' fleet of 11 nuclear reactors from premature closure, protecting Illinois' lead as the state with the most clean energy generation.

See: the Associated Press, "Pritzker signs law lifting moratorium on nuclear reactors," published Dec. 8, 2023.

Read more at the Nuclear Newswire, "Illinois lifts ban on some new nuclear construction," December 1, 2023.

Learn more about State Restrictions on New Nuclear Power Facility Construction at the National Conference of State Legislatures, updated September 28, 2023.

See: US News & World Report, "Bill Supporting Development of Nuclear Energy Wins Passage in Kentucky Senate," Feb. 26, 2024.

Published by Nucleation Capital in Advanced Nuclear, Carbon emissions, Climate change, Climate policy, Energy abundance, Future of Energy, Government support, History-making, LINKS, Nuclear competitiveness, Nuclear innovation, Nuclear-inclusive energy policy, Pronuclear States, Solving climate, US competitiveness, US technological leadership, Zero emission energy

August 27, 2023

Pronuclear Advocates & Allies

About the Pronuclear Climate Movement

Pronuclear climate advocacy has been around for only about a decade but it has grown rapidly. It consists mostly of young people who understand the urgency of the climate crisis and recognize that nuclear energy is a way to help us transition away from fossil fuels. They believe we should protect existing nuclear plants providing large amounts of clean energy and build more. They have worked to save plants slated for premature closure, like Diablo Canyon in California and Palisades in Michigan. And they continue to work to save existing nuclear plants around the world, reform clean energy policies that exclude nuclear and favor renewables and educate the public about the benefits of nuclear. This is a reflection of growing support for nuclear power in general and a recognition that the goal of the climate movement is to prioritize retirenent of fossil fuel plants—whose massive volume of waste emissions is forcing the warming of our planet—not shut nuclear, whose waste hurts no one and is actually a valuable future energy resource.

The pronuclear movement consists of mostly smaller, independent groups that do grassroots organizing around a theme, such as working to prevent the closure of a local nuclear power plant. Fortunately, many of these groups are interconnected yielding suprisingly effective coordination when it matters. Many also have broader goals, such as the Climate Coalition, which aims to strengthen the climate movement overall by uniting climate activists of all stripes in support of an "all-of-the-above" nuclear-inclusive approach to clean energy. These groups can use your help.

How to Support the Pronuclear Climate Movement

For those who want to support nuclear power in addition to (or in lieu of) investing in next-generation technologies through Nucleation Capital, we provide the following recommendations:

Stop Supporting Anti-Nuclear Organization: Stop sending donations to the Sierra Club, NRDC, 350.org, Friends of the Earth, League of Conservation Voters, or Greenpeace. These large NGOs remain staunchly anti-nuclear and that is primarily what is dividing the climate movement.
Urge your NGO to Prioritize Climate: If you have been a member or supporter of an anti-nuclear environmental group, let them know you don't support their anti-nuclear positions—which are contrary to their supposed efforts to solve climate—and won't support them until they acknowledge the value of nuclear energy for combating carbon emissions.
Actively Support Pronuclear Groups: Throw your support behind one or more of the pronuclear nonprofits that are working hard to save existing power plants and to advocate for nuclear power. We have curated the following lists to help you find organizations or individuals to support.

Nucleation's Top 5 Pronuclear Organizations

1. CALIFORNIANS FOR GREEN NUCLEAR POWER

Californians for Green Nuclear Power, led by Dr. Gene Nelson, has been a driving force for political accountability and responsible energy decision-making in California. Shedding light on sweetheart backroom political deals being cut by Governor Jerry Brown that were contrary to the public interest, CGNP filed suits and/or petitioned to become a party to CPUC and FERC proceedings. CGNP's work as an intervenor has been instrumental in helping to save Diablo Canyon. CGNP's in depth research continues to pose obstacles to efforts to overturn the California legislature's extension approval are being filed. (Donations can be mailed to CGNP at 1375 East Grand Ave Ste 103 #523, Arroyo Grande, CA 93420-2421.)

2. MOTHERS FOR NUCLEAR

Mothers for Nuclear was created on Earth Day 2016 by the power team of San Luis Obispo-based Heather Hoff and Kristin Zaitz, two moms to better represent the voices of women and mothers in support of Diablo Canyon and nuclear energy in general. Coordination with Californians for Green Nuclear Power, Save Clean Energy and many other groups enabled Governor Newsom to respond to strong public pressure to save Diablo Canyon when appealing to the California Legislature. Progressive women remain predominantly opposed to nuclear power, but Mothers for Nuclear have begun to rebuild the social norm of women being pronuclear. (Donations can be made online. EIN: 81-3349003)

3. GENERATION ATOMIC

Generation Atomic was created by Eric Meyers to represent the voices of younger generations and empower them to express support for nuclear in every type of venue and forum where discussions of how solve climate change is happening. The group creates fun, engaging, public actions in an effort to safeguard our future by championing the cause for nuclear energy. Not only do they use research, communication and relationship-building to advocate for nuclear, their actions typically involve dancing, singing, inflatable costumes and humor to inspire, empower and engage youth and defang anti-nuclear wrath. Operatic nuclear arias, anyone? (Donations can be made online. EIN: 81-4500446)

4. THORIUM ENERGY ALLIANCE

Thorium Energy Alliance was started in 2006 by John Kutsch to bring together scientists and energy experts who believe that thorium should be recognized as a high-value nuclear fuel and not treated as waste. Thorium is far more abundant and less radioactive than uranium, yet was rejected early on in the development of nuclear fuel. This despite evidence that the use of thorium is feasible and can be highly cost-effective. TEA works to raise awareness about thorium and hosts conferences, posts videos and serves as a central organizing and educational entity for many nuclear advocates, which history was beautifully captured in the Frankie Fenton documentary film "Atomic Hope." (Donations of cash or cars can be made online.)

5. CLIMATE COALITION

Climate Coalition was founded in 2016 by Valerie Gardner and a group of technology-oriented climate activists who recognized how much stronger the climate movement would be if climate advocates were not fighting amongst themselves. Unfortunately, activists who support renewables often ardently oppose nuclear power and vice versa. Climate Coalition views this internecine conflict as the primary reason why global effort to transition to 100% clean energy systems are delayed everywhere. So long as this fighting continues, demand for and investment in fossil fuels will remain strong. Join Climate Coalition to show your support of unity against carbon emissions.

MORE PRONUCLEAR GROUPS

There are many other worthy groups, so we've listed more of them below, followed by influencers, authors, podcasters and artists (alphabetically)

THINK TANKS & EXPERT NON-PROFITS (Alphabetical listing)

Anthropocene Institute, founded by Carl Page, bringing a pro-technology perspective and working to connect engineers, entrepreneurs, investors, institutions and thought-leaders to solve the world's greatest challenges. Helping to expand awareness of solid state nuclear activity and its potential to solve energy issues.

The Breakthrough Institute, Ted Nordhaus leads this global research think tank that identifies and promotes technological solutions and policies to environmental and human development challenges.

Campaign for a Green Nuclear Deal, Madison Hilly founded this group to serve as a nationwide advocate articulating a vision for nuclear power as the industrial heart of sustainable and enduring American prosperity that creates dignified, high-wage jobs, revives American industrial capability, and re-establishes the U.S. as the global leader of this critical technology.

Clean Air Task Force, led by Armond Cohen, analyzes and advocates for the technologies and policies needed to get to a zero-emissions, high-energy planet at an affordable cost, so the energy needs of all people are met efficiently without damaging the air we breathe or the atmosphere.

ClearPath, Rich Powell heads up this a center-right think tank whose mission is to develop and advance conservative policies that accelerate clean energy innovation and climate solutions.

Climate Protection & Restoration Initiative, Dr. James Hansen, Donn J. Viviani and other climate and legal experts, have sued the US EPA to demand its proactive enforcement of the Clean Air Act as already permitted by the existing statute against emitters of carbon dioxide pollution.

Doctors for Nuclear Energy, Dr. Chris Keefer leads an international, volunteer group of doctors that see nuclear energy as an irreplaceable part of the just transition to a low-carbon future.

ecoAmerica, founded and run by Bob Perkowitz, ecoAmerica moves society toward climate solutions by inspiring and empowering trusted national institutions and their millions of stakeholders in local communities across America to visibly act and advocate, with a commitment to Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion.

Emergency Reactor, Zion Lights, a former Greenpeace activist, grew disenchanted with Greenpeace because of its antinuclear stance and founded this European-based group to provides accurate nuclear education and counterpoint to antinuclear myths.

Energy Communities Alliance (ECA) is the only non-profit, membership organization of local governments adjacent to or impacted by U.S. Department of Energy activities. We bring together local government officials to share information, establish policy positions, and promote community interests to address an increasingly complex set of constituent, environmental, regulatory, and economic development needs.

Energy Impact Center, Bret Kugelmass founded this group to offer strategic direction through a "first principles" analysis of global energy systems and focusing on areas of highest impact, through research, impactful communications and kick-starting real projects. Also, Bret is host and creator of the Titans of Nuclear Podcast.

Fastest Path to Zero, Dr. Todd Allen leads an interdisciplinary team of experts, including University of Michigan faculty, staff, and students, working to support communities as they plan and pursue ambitious climate goals, offering a variety of assessment, siting, reporting, and big data analytic tools combined with a passion for human-centered design and engagement, to help communities transform their energy systems while adapting to a changing climate.

Good Energy Collective, Dr. Jessica Lovering, Suzy Hobbs Baker, Dr. Rachel Slaybaugh launched this group to rethink nuclear policies from the ground up, in order to enable nuclear energy to help humanity reach ambitious climate goals. Using modern, socially-grounded and equitable approaches based upon progressive, democratic values, Good Energy Collective develops practical approaches to bring nuclear implementation and not just technology into the 21st century.

The Long Now, Stewart Brand founded this organization to foster long-term thinking to make mankind into a better ancestor and preserve possibilities for future generations, by imagining what our needs will be over a 10,000 year timescale, rather than just in the here and now.

Nuclear Alternative Project. Puerto Rico has been an energy deficient country since Hurricane Maria struck a few years back. In response, the Department of Energy has granted the Nuclear Alternative Project the responsibility of preparing Puerto Rico to possibly build advanced nuclear reactors, as an alternative energy option for Puerto Rico. Unlike wind and solar, nuclear power plants hold up well in hurricanes, which show no sign of abating especially as climate gets worse.

Nuclear Innovation Alliance, Judi Greenwald leads this donor-funded think tank and industry-adjacent team that aims to bring economically competitive zero-carbon energy to the world by supporting entrepreneurialism and accelerated innovation through policy analysis, research and education.

Nuclear New York, Dr. Dietmar Detering, Isuru Seneviratne and more, is an independent, non-partisan advocacy organization working towards a prosperous decarbonized future and nature conservation, advocating for the application of nuclear energy to meet the need for reliable, emission-free energy along with well paid meaningful work that underwrites vibrant, healthy, and prosperous communities in New York and beyond.

The Oppenheimer Project, Charles Oppenheimer and family, launched this group in tandem with the release of the film, "Oppenheimer," to use the legacy of J. Robert Oppenheimer to promote thought-leadership, advocate for an expansion of nuclear energy free from the threats of proliferation or weaponization and to invest in the energy transition to carbon-free sources, including nuclear energy.

Radiant Energy Group, a think tank, research organization and corporate advisory founded by Mark Nelson and Richard Ollington, which provides leaders with the data, messaging and broader insights they need to create nuclear-inclusive roadmaps towards decarbonization. Recently published results of their global survey of public attitudes towards nuclear.

Rethinking Nuclear, Richard Steeves and others founded this group to help those taking a fresh look at why we need nuclear power and rethink positions based upon misinformation or misconceptions about the technology that are wrong.

Save Clean Energy, Isabelle Boemeke founded this group to cultivate and amplify the social media-based grassroots movement that she has developed to protect existing clean energy resources, while championing new clean infrastructure.

Stand Up for Nuclear, Paris Ortiz-Wines founded this team to serve as the international hub for global nuclear activism, providing resources, empowering action and helping individuals advocate for the protection and expansion of nuclear energy around the world.

TerraPraxis, Erik Ingersoll and Kirsty Gogan founded this organization to design and promote transformative strategies to address the most significant risks to the energy transition — mapping uncharted decarbonization territory, with a mission to accelerate scalable, innovative and equitable solutions for unsolved areas of the climate and energy challenge. Now focusing on the coal to nuclear transition.

Third Way, Josh Freed heads this national think tank that champions modern center-left ideas on a wide range of critical issues, from energy to agriculture.

WePlanet (previously RePlanet), founded by a group of European youths to broadly save the future and advocate for the prioritization of real, science-based solutions. They bravely tackle a number of big thorny issues, including the need to rethink and deploy advanced technologies for food production, nuclear power and GMOs.

INFLUENCERS, AUTHORS, PODCASTERS, ARTISTS and FILMS

Rod Adams, founder of Atomic Insights, launched in 1995 to engage in exploration and critical discussion of nuclear power and the nuclear industry by one of the partners of Nucleation Capital; and host of The Atomic Show: A long-running companion podcast series featuring Rod's interviews of and conversations with nuclear experts.
Meredith Angwin, wrote the first book explaining in lay terms the perils inherent in our power grid, “Shorting the Grid: The Hidden Fragility of our Electric Grid.” Previously, Angwin inspired and taught a generation of activists how to advocate for nuclear power in "Campaigning for Clean Air."

Mathijs Beckers, is an author and vlogger who runs the Nuclear Humanist YouTube channel. He is the author of "Highway to Dystopia: About spaceship Earth, Climate Change and more" as well as Climate Zero Hour, The Non-Solutions Project, and Science a la Carte. He is raising funds for his latest pronuclear project here.
Isabelle Boemeke, creator of the “Isodope” persona, an uber-stylish futuristic nuclear influencer featured in creative videos accessible by TicTok, Instagram and "X" tweets, which aim to educate the social media generation about nuclear energy. Ms. Boemeke is also the founder of Save Clean Energy, which led an initiative to send a letter to Governor Newsom urging him to save Diablo Canyon, signed by 79 scientific experts. She has also given a powerful pronuclear TED Talk.
Baba Brinkman, a science rapper, poet and performer, with the world's most extensive oeuvre of nuclear rap.
Robert Bryce, author, journalist and host of the Power Hungry Podcast, wrote "A Question of Power: Electricity and the Wealth of Nations," and produced the documentary Juice: How Electricity Explains the World. Bryce just released a new, 5-part documentary series called Juice: Power, Politics & the Grid, available for free on YouTube.

Gwyneth Cravens, author of "Power to Save the World: The Truth about Nuclear Energy."

Jack Devanney, author of the Substack: Gordion Knot News, dedicated to solving the twin problems of energy poverty and global warming.

Frankie Fenton, produced the documentary, Atomic Hope, which follows the birth, pains and growth of the pronuclear movement.

Joshua Goldstein and Staffan Qvist, wrote "A Bright Future: How Some Countries Have Solved Climate Change and the Rest Can Follow." This book was picked up and made into a powerful documentary by Oliver Stone, called Nuclear Now: Time to Look Again, in 2023.

Dr. Robert Hargraves, author of "Thorium, Energy Cheaper than Coal" and prolific tweeter
Heather Hoff, a co-founder of Mothers for Nuclear, is known to show up to official meetings to speak extremely articulately on behalf of saving nuclear power plants, with her young child in tow.

Dr. Chris Keefer, articulate Canadian nuclear advocate, founder of Doctors for Nuclear Energy and the Decouple podcast, focused on the challenge of decoupling energy production from carbon emissions.

D.J. LeClear, The Rad Guy, posts extensively with easy to understand explanations about nuclear power, radiation and waste issues.
Zion Lights, Everything is Light, has an engaging Substack covering her learning process about nuclear energy.

Gene Nelson, Californians for Green Nuclear Energy: Prolific researcher and author of detailed legal analyses, legal briefs and published OpEds submitted on behalf of CGNP as an intervenor in California CPUC actions revealing and critiquing efforts by those seeking to replace clean nuclear energy with dirty coal or gas, of the nefarious going on's—often behind "closed doors" or hidden in data reporting euphemisms—which have enabled efforts by PacifiCorp and others to sell coal power to California without it being acknowledged as such by CAISO.
Mark Nelson, Radiant Energy Group: Founder and preferred nuclear advocate in debates on nuclear energy, as well as a key influencer and consultant providing a range of strategic services to improve communications and engage key stakeholders.

Richard Ollington, Radiant Energy Group: Articulate nuclear influencer and researcher providing a range of strategic services including unique types of data collection, to provide data-driven reports and pronuclear communication strategies for business and policy leaders.

Carl Page, Anthropocene Institute: Articulate nuclear advocate, philanthropist and investor bringing a pro-technology perspective and working to connect engineers, entrepreneurs, investors, institutions and thought-leaders to solve the world's greatest challenges, including support for development of low energy nuclear reactors (LENR).
Emmet Penney, Nuclear Barbarians: Articulate nuclear author and podcaster interviewing a range of nuclear experts about the industry, its successes and challenges.

Staffan Qvist and Joshua Goldstein co-wrote "A Bright Future: How Some Countries Have Solved Climate Change and the Rest Can Follow." This book was picked up and made into a powerful documentary by Oliver Stone, called Nuclear Now: Time to Look Again, in 2023.

Dave Schumacher, produced The New Fire, a wonderful documentary about next-generation nuclear and some of the founders who have launched ventures)
Isuru Seneviratne, co-founder of Nuclear New York, is a data guru who has developed expertise in presenting energy data in a clear and compelling way that helps bring attention to the energy faux pas of those entrusted to do the right thing, specifically NYISO.
Oliver Stone, produced Nuclear Now: Time to Look Again, a 2023 documentary, based upon the Joshua Goldstein book, "A Bright Future."
Robert Stone, produced the highly influential 2013 documentary, Pandora’s Promise, arguably the first pronuclear documentary ever produced, which has subsequently inspired the pronuclear movement.

Nick Touran, Ph.D, P.E., What is Nuclear?: A technical blog that aims to enlighten the public about the capabilities of nuclear energy so that society may embrace it as an improvement in many aspects over current energy sources. Answers many common questions and concerns about nuclear power.

Dan Yurman, Neutron Bytes: Publishes posts and provides resources and references regarding advanced nuclear projects, expert resources and published literature about nuclearpower, and advocacy groups.

[Note: This Nuclear Advocacy page is a work in process and is neither comprehensive or completely up to date. Not included in this list are industry professional organizations, such as ANS, NEI, Nuclear Matters, World Nuclear Association, Women in Nuclear or North American Young Generation in Nuclear. If you have suggestions or corrections, please use the comment box to provide that information and we will endeavor to post it.]

Updated: April 25, 2025

Published by Valerie Gardner in Brilliant thinkers, Climate change, Climate policy, Energy abundance, Environmental support for nuclear, Fission, International support for nuclear, Investor activity, NEWS, Nuclear-inclusive energy policy, Nucleation communications, Philanthropic support for nuclear, Pro-nuclear campaign, Solving climate, Solving nuclear waste, Women in Nuclear, Zero emission energy

May 9, 2023

Support for nuclear power soars

Grist writes: "US support for nuclear power soars to highest level in a decade: As the country looks to decarbonize, nuclear’s popularity continues to climb." This is what Akielly Hu, Grist's News and Politics Fellow, reports following the release by Gallup of a survey that found that 55 percent of US adults support the use of nuclear power. This total is up four percentage points in a year, and "reflects the highest level of public support for nuclear energy use in electricity since 2012."

Among other findings, the survey found that Republicans are more likely to favor nuclear energy than Democrats, which partisan divide is particularly visible at the state level, with more pro-nuclear policies adopted in Republican-controlled states than left-leaning ones. Nevertheless, support for nuclear energy by Democratic is also on the rise, in part due to advances in nuclear technologies and new federal climate laws that clarify the fact that nuclear power is carbon-free energy and can help in efforts to solve climate change.

The Biden administration has identified nuclear energy as a key climate solution to achieve grid stability in a net-zero future. The administration is pushing for the deployment of advanced nuclear reactor models that improve on the safety and efficiency of traditional reactor designs. These designs will all be far more consistent and reliable than wind and solar energy, which vary depending on the weather. The broader shift in public opinion and, in particular, Democratic opinion toward nuclear energy, is at least partially a function of strong pronuclear leadership coming from the Biden Administration and the DOE under Secretary Jennifer Granholm.

Read more at Grist, US support for nuclear power soars to highest level in a decade, by Akielly Hu, May 9, 2023.

March 21, 2023

Oliver Stone’s “Nuclear Now” Film Delivers

Oliver Stone’s new pronuclear documentary “Nuclear Now” has announced distribution in North American and will be coming to a theatre near you later this spring. The three-time Academy Award winner signed Abramorama and Giant Pictures for the right to screen the film in theaters and on streaming platforms. Nuclear Now will open in New York, Los Angeles and other markets across the U.S. and Canada beginning on April 28th, followed by its release to digital and streaming services.

The film, based on the 2019 book by Dr. Joshua S. Goldstein, "A Bright Future", makes the case that nuclear is a vital piece of our clean energy solution to climate change. Stone was able to obtain extraordinary access to people in the industry around the world, including Nucleation's managing partner, Rod Adams and nuclear influencer, Isabelle Boemeke, among others. But Stone also was able to film unique, revealing and damning footage of the acknowledgement of responsibility of Russian operators of the Chernobyl plant for having neglected their jobs and allowing that accident to happen, which caused unimaginable damage to the nuclear industry.

Unlike so many Hollywood disaster and dystopia films, “Nuclear Now” contains a hopeful, “we can do this” message. It features a small selection of some of the many scientists, engineers and communicators working to develop or enable the kinds of advanced nuclear energy systems that are being added to the Nucleation Capital portfolio. In addition to Rod Adams the film’s stars include Jake DeWitt (Oklo), Caroline Cochran (Oklo), Shannon Bragg-Sitton (INL), Ashley Finan (NRIC), Isabelle Boemeke (Isodope), and Joshua Goldstein, the author of the book, "A Bright Future."

“This is, in my mind, the greatest story of our time,” Oliver Stone said in an interview with Deadline, “discussing humanity’s arc from poverty to prosperity and its mastery of science to overcome the modern demand for more and more energy. I am thrilled that Richard Abramowitz and the teams at Abramorama, Mediawan, ROCO, Giant, Think-Film Impact Production and Participant have come on board to help share this important message with audiences across the country and around the world.”

Updates:

Now you can listen to Rod Adams interviewing Oliver Stone and Joshua Goldstein, co-writers of Nuclear Now, for Atomic Show #305. In their conversation, Rod explores their personal journeys from being reflexively opposed to nuclear energy to becoming committed proponents of nuclear power as an important tool for mankind, in a climate stressed world.
May 2, 2023: Nucleation Capital hosted the first of several virtual gatherings for those wishing to discuss the film. We invited anyone who was going to attend a local screening to join our virtual Zoom discussion and get their questions answered. This was a very informative and lively discussion. (Sorry, it was not recorded but we will do more.)
May 5, 2023 Update: If you were unable to see the film in the theater, we will be hosting a free screening for those who have not had the chance to see the film. You can now sign up here to get a link to see the film during the coming week or weeks. We will then send you a notification about the next virtual panel discussions, which are now scheduled for Thursday, May 11th and Thursday, May 25th at 5:00 pm PT/8:00 pm ET (on both days).

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Read more at Deadline, "'Nuclear Now' Trailer: Oliver Stone's Documentary Makes Case for Atomic Energy to Solve Climate Change," by Matt Grobar, March 21, 2023.

New York Times, ‘Nuclear Now’ Review: Oliver Stone Makes the Case for Power Plants, by Brandon Yu, NYT Film Critic, April 27, 2023.

HuffPost, Oliver Stone Wants To Atone For Hollywood’s Sins Against Nuclear Energy, by Alexander Kaufman, May 7, 2023.

Published by Valerie Gardner in Brilliant thinkers, Carbon emissions, Climate change, Energy abundance, Future of Energy, NEWS, Nuclear competitiveness, Nuclear-inclusive energy policy, Pro-nuclear campaign, US technological leadership, Zero emission energy

March 20, 2023

El Salvador Explores Nuclear Entry with Gen IV

El Salvador has just taken a small but meaningful step towards building an advanced climate-resilient economy and accelerating next-generation nuclear. The government has decided to explore becoming a nuclear nation through the deployment of thorium-based molten salt reactors, a Gen IV design, thereby leapfrogging traditional nuclear technology.

As reported by Power Magazine, the El Salvador government signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Thorium Energy Alliance to “formally establish the framework for cooperation between Thorium Energy Alliance and the DGEHM to develop a comprehensive and strategic plan to deploy, in an advanced and safe manner, energy generation through thorium-powered reactors and thermal energy storage systems.”

The MOU was negotiated and signed by Daniel Alvarez, El Salvador's director general of Energy, Hydrocarbons, and Mines (DGEHM) and John Kutsch, executive director of the Thorium Energy Alliance. What is most impressive about this agreement is that, in selecting this path, El Salvador shows that it recognizes the abundant benefits of Gen IV nuclear designs and has decided to assume some of the risk of being an early adopter of an innovative technology perhaps in exchange for being one of the earliest beneficiaries as well.

“This is not just a deep dive into technologies and rollout issues, and a white paper proposal, this is something that El Salvador is dedicated to making happen,” Kutsch said in a presentation given at the signing ceremony.

Learn more at Power Magazine, El Salvador Sets Sights on Joining the 'Nuclear Power Club,' by Aaron Larson, Mar 20, 2023.

Published by Nucleation Capital in Advanced Nuclear, Brilliant thinkers, Carbon emissions, Climate change, Climate policy, Future of Energy, Government support, History Timeline, History-making, International support for nuclear, LINKS, Nuclear competitiveness, Nuclear financing, Nuclear-inclusive energy policy, Politicians supporting nuclear, Pro-nuclear campaign, Solving climate, US technological leadership, Zero emission energy

March 1, 2023

Industry decarbonization moves ahead with Dow Chemical / X-energy partnership

Dow Chemical has signed a development agreement with X-energy Reactor Company to build its DOE-funded demonstration 4-pack Xe-100 advanced nuclear plant at a Dow Chemical Gulf Coast site. Dow's very strategic move makes it one of the first industrials to acknowledge that decarbonization will not be possible without advanced nuclear energy.

This is a key watershed moment, marking the imminent arrival of an entirely new category of clean energy power plants that are entering the market with an ability to provide both carbon-free electricity and clean, high-temperature steam for industrial purposes. Dow's interest reflects the likely appetite among large industrials for clean energy alternatives in their very hard-to-decarbonize sector and the appeal of having the DOE as a funding partner in the development of a first-of-a-kind plant.

Nuclear power has been serving the electricity needs of grid-scale utilities for six and a half decades. But until now, it has not been able to compete in the industrial process heat market. Now, X-energy and a number of other advanced nuclear ventures are designing more functional and flexible power plants that generate extra high-temperature stream. This steam can be piped directly to an industrial processing area which needs high-temperature heat for chemical processing or it can be converted into electrons with a turbine and generator to provide electricity.

Accordingly, for a company like Dow Chemical and hundreds of other industrial companies producing steel, ammonia, hydrogen, hydrocarbons or doing desalination, the Xe-100 provides a very compelling energy choice, as it can provide a lot of reliable, flexible power with stable pricing that can also feed electrons into the grid, when grid prices are high.

X-energy was one of two awardees of the DOE's Advanced Reactor Demonstration Program (the other awardee being TerraPower), entitling it to an initial grant of $80 million towards the demonstration of its Xe-100 power plant, consisting of four 80 MWe/200 Mwth reactors and a fuel fabrication facility within seven years (by 2028). The ARDP received an additional $2.5 billion from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for the demonstrations of two advanced reactor technologies, which will build on the initial $160 million received from the Office of Nuclear Energy prior to OCED’s creation.

X-energy initially planned to build is X-100 up in Washington state, in a partnership with and at a site hosted by Energy Northwest. Since receiving the award, X-energy has completed the engineering and basic design of its reactor and its fuel fabrication facility and is preparing to submit an application with the NRC, which has not yet happened. Meanwhile, the company has also agreed to go public via a merger with the Ares SPAC later this spring and these have likely helped give Dow Chemical the confidence to make an offer to partner with X-energy. If that isn't enough, the company just announced plans to open its first support center, to service its initial deployments of its Xe-100 plants.

Learn more at Power, X-energy and Dow Will Deploy a 320-MWe Xe-100 Nuclear Facility at Gulf Coast Site, by Sonal Patel, Mar 1, 2023. See Bloomberg for "Ares SPAC is Merging with Nuclear Energy Firm X-Energy, Dec. 6, 2022. Read more about the X-Energy Plant Support Center at X-energy: X-energy to Open First Plant Support Center for Xe-100 Advanced Small Modular Reactor Fleet, March 7, 2023. More about the DOE's ARDP Awards.

Published by Nucleation Capital in Advanced Nuclear, Capital reallocation, Carbon emissions, Climate policy, Future of Energy, History Timeline, History-making, LINKS, Nuclear competitiveness, Nuclear financing, Nuclear-inclusive energy policy, Politicians supporting nuclear, Solving climate, Zero emission energy

February 15, 2023

Energy Insiders Plan for More Nuclear

RTO Insider has reported on the discussion at the NARUC meeting in mid-February, in which the Tennessee Valley Authority CEO, Jeff Lyash, made the case for his need for nuclear energy to achieve his goals of 80% carbon-free generation by 2035 and net-zero by 2050.

The TVA already has an early has an early site permit from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to build its first SMR at Clinch River. But Lyash is not interested in building one reactor. “In order for us to be successful, TVA needs something on the order of 20 reactors over that period of time," Lyash remarked to those gathered at the National Associate of Regulatory Utility Commissioners Winter Policy summit in Washington, D.C.

TVA, a federally-owned utility, will still need a construction permit for the 300 MW GE Hitachi MWRX-300 SMR that it is planning to build but what Lyash really needs is for the construction to reach "nth-of-a-kind costs, supply chain, workforce, project execution" to make constructing a portfolio of 20 or more reactors and slam dunk.

The rising need for nuclear power as a critical technology to enable full decarbonization was a major theme of the NARUC conference. As such, the formation of a new initiative, the Advanced Nuclear State Collaborative, to bring together members of NARUC and the National Association of State Energy Officials was announced by David Wright, an NRC commissioner, and Tricia Pridemore, chair of the Georgia Public Service Commission. The initiative, sponsored by the Department of Energy, will provide technical assistance and expertise for states deploying or considering new nuclear projects, Commissioner Pridemore said.

The new collaborative is the response to growing interest in nuclear by energy insiders. In at least 20 states, “public service commissions and state energy offices are engaged in feasibility studies for advanced nuclear reactor site selection, strategies to reduce regulatory and policy barriers to new nuclear, and other activities to pave the way for advanced reactors,” Commissioner Pridemore said.

With the two new AP1000 reactors at Vogtle just starting to come online, one might think that the troubled Southern Co. experience of building them at more than double the original cost and six years delayed might put a damper on interest in building more nuclear. In fact, Lyash and LPO Director, Jigar Shah, agreed that Vogtle showed that "America is deciding to do big things."

As a result of completing these AP1000s, there are now 13,000 trained men and women with experience in building new power plants. They will next be deployed in building the next AP1000s in Poland, which selected the Westinghouse AP1000 in part because the Vogtle plant got done, produced valuable lessons, and there is current knowhow for building it.

Now, this experience is available to benefit all new buyers, de-risk new builds and improve the financial and public trust in the technology. If more customers step up, whether for the AP1000 or other new designs, the valuable lessons learned can actually benefit the U.S., other nations and our decarbonization efforts and help keep nuclear power competitive in general.

In fact, according to Lyash, nuclear power plants are "highly competitive." And he should know because nuclear generates 42% of TVA's power supply. So while nuclear plants require large up-front capital expenditure, "they have a tremendously long and beneficial life," per Lyash. "They also deliver all the attributes to a power system that you need—voltage, frequency and maneuverability." The key need going forward: Buidling them on time and on budget.

Read more at RTO Insider, Making the Case for Nuclear at NARUC, by K. Kaufman, Feb 15, 2023.

February 11, 2023

Nuclear wins inclusion as “green” source for hydrogen

French energy minister Agnès Pannier-Runacher

France appears to wins another round against Germany in the fight to have nuclear included as a clean energy source within EU Commission rules. The EU has agreed that nuclear energy powered hydrogen will be classified as "green," so long as the carbon-intensity of the country's electricity is below 65 grammes of CO2 equivalent per kilowatt hour.

Early reporting on the EU Commission's decision regarding classification of hydrogen as "green" indicates that, once again, the EU will be recognizing low-carbon nuclear power as "green."

For more than a year, the EU has been assessing and evaluating the best way to ensure that hydrogen producers can't easily claim "green" production by using existing renewable energy, in a form of greenwashing, that simply takes credit fo renewable power that was being used elsewhere. This has forced the EU to look closely at both "additionality" and "carbon intensity."

The new rules, a draft version of which leaked out but which have not been formally published, seek to ensure that that green hydrogen is made only from “additional” renewable power, by forcing the producer to correlate its production in time and space to prevent cannibalisation of existing sources of clean energy. The Commission has finally arrived at a decision and set out two important additionality criteria:

By 2030, hydrogen production must be matched to renewable energy production on an hourly basis. Until then, the correlation is set on a monthly basis.
By 2028, hydrogen producers must prove that their electrolysers are connected to renewable energy installations no older than 36 months.

This decision enables investments in new hydrogen production to move forward with a clear understanding of how that production can benefit from the benefits available to clean energy until 90% of electricity production in a given country is produced from low-carbon sources.

While Germany has sought to exclude nuclear energy as a clean power source, France has been lobbying Brussels on the opposite side, arguing that hydrogen produced by nuclear power is also be considered "green." It appears that France has won its case in the draft rules.

In recognition of nuclear's low-carbon production, the EU has agreed that hydrogen produced in a country like France with the intensity of electricity is lower than 18 gCO2eq/MJs (or approximately 65 grammes of CO2 equivalent per kilowatt hour), then the hydrogen can qualify as green.

Among all 27 EU countries, only France and Sweden meet this criteria. In 2021, when its nuclear fleet was almost fully operational, French power was 70% of its energy, 85% low-carbon and emissions stood at 56g CO2e per kWh. Sweden, for its part, powered predominantly with hydropower, stands at an average of 28gCO2e/Kwh.

Not only is this EU rule a win for pronuclear countries, it is laying an important precedent in setting out a base level of carbon-intensity that recognizes that what matters is the carbon-intensity of the total grid, not the amount of renewable energy. We believe this will be of increasing importance over time.

Read more at EURACTIV LEAK: France wins recognition for nuclear in EU's green hydrogen rules, by Nikolaus J. Kurmayer, Feb. 11, 2023.

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