New US nuclear energy strategy published

A fresh report by the US Department of Energy has been published on the growth of nuclear power for the transition to a carbon-free economy.

Nuclear generation is planned to increase from today’s ~100 GW to ~300 GW by 2050. That is, the USA will need ~ 550-770 GW of additional sustainable capacity (According to Future City).

Generation III+ (Gen III+) and Generation IV (Gen IV) reactors are planned.

As for the former, these will be pressurised water reactors running on low enriched fuel (typically up to 5% U-235). The latter will use new fuels, such as HALEU uranium – enriched up to 20% U-235 – and coolants other than water.

If nuclear construction starts by 2030, 13 GW would need to be built annually to reach the 200 GW target by 2050. If the start of the programme is delayed until 2035, 20 GW per year would need to be built.

Full report: here