We saw some big news come out in the nuclear world last week as we move closer to shovels in the ground. The Nuclear Regulator Commission approved construction of a groundbreaking new nuclear reactor in Wyoming. From their release:

As the release notes, this is a big step with the first Gen IV reactor ever approved, the first commercial reactor that has gotten the approval for construction in nearly 10 years and the first approval for a non-light water reactor in over 40 years. And that matters because Nuclear energy currently makes up nearly 20% of all electricity generated in the U.S. Across the river in New York, we saw the Secretary of Energy touring Indian Point talk about reactivating that facility.

And around the world we are seeing a resurgence of nuclear as well with over 20 countries aiming to triple capacity by 2050. Global capacity is expected to rise from 378 GW to 575 GW by 2040.

Here in New Jersey, nuclear power typically generates up to 45% of our total in-state electricity, ranking it as one of the state’s largest, reliable, and emission-free energy sources. Combined, natural gas and nuclear provide more than 90% of the state’s total electricity net generation.

We currently have three operational nuclear reactors located at two sites in Lower Alloways Creek: the Salem Nuclear Generating Station and the Hope Creek Nuclear Generating Station that produce over 80% of New Jersey’s air pollution-free, zero-carbon electricity.

With all of this existing infrastructure, NJ is uniquely positioned to be at the front of the line. This could give us a leg up as we look forward, but we just need our leaders to take that step.