Commentary
PITTSBURGHâWhat if we started to approach nuclear energy from a different perspective? What if these new viewpoints were effective in bringing people together from all sides of the energy spectrum for the first time in a generation?
This is the foundation of The Nuclear Company, a Kentucky-based energy group that has embarked on a bus tour to share its vision of constructing a six-gigawatt fleet of nuclear power stations in the United States. The company plans to visit numerous cities across the country to spread its message.
Juliann Edwards, chairwoman of Women in Nuclear, emphasized the increasing demand for electricity in the energy sector. She believes that now is the ideal time to explore how nuclear energy can contribute to meeting this growing demand in the United States.
âThe Nuclear Frontier bus tour aims to inspire, educate, and garner public support for the advancement of nuclear power in America,â stated Edwards, an executive at The Nuclear Company.
Launching the tour in western Pennsylvania was a strategic choice, given the region’s historical significance in nuclear energy. The first commercial nuclear reactor in the United States was established in Shippingport, Beaver County, just down the Ohio River in 1957. Pittsburgh, with its rich nuclear energy history, including contributions from industrialist George Westinghouse, was a fitting starting point for the tour.
The legacy of George Westinghouse, credited with commercializing alternating current, is closely linked to the nuclear era. The Shippingport reactor, built by Westinghouse, marked the beginning of nuclear power, with half of the world’s nuclear reactors currently utilizing Westinghouse technology.
Edwards highlighted the emphasis of The Nuclear Company on national resilience and strength in energy production. She stressed the importance of fostering a sense of community around the industry and educating Americans about nuclear power’s more than six-decade history.
She pointed out the current bipartisan support for nuclear technology and the necessity of expanding baseload, zero-carbon energy sources. The Nuclear Company aims to deliver safe and reliable electricity at competitive prices through proven technology and a collaborative approach.
While the industry has faced challenges like budget overruns and delays in the past, Edwards expressed optimism about the future of nuclear power.
âFor the first time in about 20 years, the outlook is positive,â she said.
She attributed past fears surrounding nuclear power to misinformation stemming from incidents like the Three Mile Island accident and media coverage.
In March 1979, a crisis unfolded at the Three Mile Island nuclear plant, leading to a temporary halt in U.S. nuclear plant construction. However, with increased stability and reflection in the industry, nuclear power is now being reconsidered for its safety and carbon-free electricity generation.
âFortunately, there has been a significant shift in perception, recognizing the benefits of nuclear power,â Edwards remarked. âThe advantages include improved quality of life, stable careers, economic benefits, national security, and its status as the cleanest form of baseload power available.â
The bus tour traversed six states, including Pennsylvania and Georgia, with a stop in Washington D.C.
âIt feels like nuclear energy is a well-kept secret that everyone is now eager to be a part of,â Edwards noted. âIt’s as if nuclear power has finally been invited to the prom for the first time.â
Views expressed in this article are opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
Can you please rewrite this sentence?
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