We need deep decarbonization to hit our climate goals. Nuclear power can get us there. As our largest source of carbon-free energy, nuclear power is critical to reducing greenhouse gasemissions. Wind, solar and geothermal are on the rise, but the smartest policies will ensure these technologies complement, not replace, nuclear's clean energy production. Protecting and growing our use of nuclear technologies are important ways to dramatically reduce greenhouse gases and help us make meaningful progress to address climate change.
Nuclear Energy and Global Warming
No other source, renewable or otherwise, contributes as much to meeting U.S. energy demand without emissions as nuclear. Every year, nuclear-generated electricity saves our atmosphere from more than 470million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions that would otherwise come from fossil fuels. That’s the same as taking nearly 100 million passenger vehicles off the road.
Studies have shown that the fastest way to an affordable, reliable, low-carbon energy future includes a significant share of nuclear energy. Because nuclear can generate carbon-free electricity 24/7, it is the ideal complement to wind power and solar energy in creating a carbon-free energy future.
Closing Nuclear Plants Hurtsthe Environment
- When Vermont's Yankee plant closed, the state saw a 650,000-metric ton increase in carbon emissions within just two months.
- Nuclear energy provides nearly 95 percent of New Jersey’s clean energy. If New Jersey were to lose its nuclear energy, its clean energy shortfall would be equal to the power used by 3.4 million homes—nearly all of the homes in the state.
- In 2020, Pennsylvania’s nuclear power plants prevented more than 46million metric tons of carbon emissions which is the equivalent of taking nearly 10 million cars off the road. The saved social cost of carbon is more than $2.4billion annually, according to the federal government’s evaluation.
Nuclear fission represents the only present-day zero-carbon technology with the demonstrated ability to meet most, if not all, of the energy demands of a modern economy.
Is Nuclear Energy Clean Enough to Slow Climate Change?
Clean energy sources—nuclear, hydropower, geothermal, wind and solar—work together to reduce greenhouse gases in our atmosphere. According to the Energy Information Administration, nuclear energy is the largest clean energy source in the United States, producing more carbon-free electricity than all other sources combined. 2020 figures show that nuclear energy generates more than half of America’s emission-free electricity.
