Back to OurEnergyLibrary search




New U.S. Nuclear Generation: 2010–2030

New U.S. Nuclear Generation: 2010–2030

Full Title: New U.S. Nuclear Generation: 2010–2030
Author(s): Geoffrey Rothwell
Publisher(s): Resources for the Future (RFF)
Publication Date: June 1, 2010
Full Text: Download Resource
Description (excerpt):

This report analyzes the modeling of the next generation of nuclear capacity in the National Energy Modeling System (NEMS), under the assumptions of the Energy Information Administration (EIA 2009a) authored by the Office of Integrated Analysis and Forecasting (OIAF; see http://www.eia.doe.gov/oiaf/brochures/oiafprod/) with modifications requested by Resources for the Future (RFF) to analyze the cases considered by research under the program, Toward a New National Energy Policy—Assessing the Options. This will be referred to as NEMS-RFF. The report’s key finding is that new nuclear capacity in NEMS-RFF from 2015 to 2020 under the current levels of U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) loan guarantees is similar to the marginal increase in new capacity from lowering the nominal return-on-equity (ROE) in NEMS-RFF for new nuclear power from 17 to 14 percent. This equivalence allows for an analysis of the costs and benefits of increasing DOE loan guarantees to new nuclear plants. In particular, based on these results, the present value of federal investment in new nuclear generation can reduce carbon dioxide emissions (CO2) for less than $2/tonne, which is less than most alternatives.

All statements and/or propositions in discussion prompts are meant exclusively to stimulate discussion and do not represent the views of OurEnergyPolicy.org, its Partners, Topic Directors or Experts, nor of any individual or organization. Comments by and opinions of Expert participants are their own.

Sign up for our Press Release Distribution List

    Your Name (required)

    Your Email (required)

    Please sign me up to receive press releases from OurEnergyPolicy.org.