Nearly 30 percent of U.S. coal-fired power plants are projected to retire by 2035 as states transition to cleaner energy sources.
The U.S. Department of Energy is researching the feasibility of converting the nation’s retiring coal plants to nuclear power plants by leveraging the existing workforce and some of the infrastructure in these energy communities.
This coal-to-nuclear transition could preserve hundreds of jobs that would otherwise be lost and lead to the creation of new jobs, economic opportunities, and overall improved health of communities most-impacted by fossil fuel pollution.
Benefits of Coal-to-Nuclear
2022 DOE report finds employment in the region associated with an incoming nuclear plant could increase by more than 650 permanent jobs spread across the plant, supply chain, and surrounding community.
2022 DOE report finds long-term job impacts of a converted coal to nuclear power plant could lead to an additional annual economic activity of $275 million.
2022 DOE report finds replacing unabated coal combustion with fission would reduce emissions in the surrounding region by up to 86% and directly improve air quality by avoiding harmful byproducts produced by fossil fuel plants that are linked to asthma, lung cancer, and heart diseases.
2022 DOE report finds that new nuclear power plants could save up to 35% on construction costs depending on how much of the existing site assets could be repurposed from retired coal power plants.
Coal-to-Nuclear Reports
DOE Information Guide for Coal-to-Nuclear Transitions
GAIN and Coal-to-Nuclear
DOE’s Gateway for Accelerated Innovation in Nuclear (GAIN) is conducting three feasibility studies to assess different aspects of repurposing coal power plant sites with nuclear power.
GAIN team also provides assistance to communities around the country as they consider advanced nuclear in their energy transitions.
This assistance can include providing information about nuclear energy plants, transition opportunities, and connecting communities to potential funding opportunities through the Interagency Working Group on Coal and Power Plant Communities and Economic Revitalization or DOE’s Communities LEAP program.
GAIN also supports public meetings, group work sessions, and strategizing forums in communities to help them learn more about the energy transition process.
If you are interested in working with our GAIN team, please email GAINTechAssist@inl.gov
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