Nuclear Power in the Coming Decades

Nuclear growth rates were examined to provide a perspective on the degree of flexibility that the Nation has to substitute other fuels for the generation of electricity. Currently, nuclear power generates only about 13 percent of total U.S. electricity, although it has accounted for the largest single increase in domestic energy supply since 1973. While the desirability of maintaining this trend in nuclear energy has come under increasing question, there are three major reasons why nuclear power merits consideration for a continued and possibly expanded role in the U.S. energy system: (1) it is a domestic energy source; (2) it can provide additional supplies of electricity; and (3) it does not emit carbon dioxide. Future electricity growth rates are very uncertain and there is a significant likelihood that the coal supply available for nonelectric purposes will cease to grow in the mid- to late 1980s, or may actually begin to decline. The trade-offs among nuclear power, coal, and conservation will be very critical. If added demands are placed on coal, they must be compensated for by additional nuclear energy, increased conservation, or all-out coal development.