Many clean energy advocates recognize that nuclear power in some form is essential to moving forward with a complete clean energy transition. While nuclear power is not without it's sources of controversy (whether fears stoked from previous nuclear disasters, environmental concerns regarding nuclear waste, or skepticism about the costs), the carbon-free nature of nuclear generation is undoubtedly important to emissions and climate goals.

With that in mind, keeping an eye on the nuclear power news as the United States reaches a cross roads brought about by a dying coal sector, hype about the Green New Deal, and general climate awareness. That's why looking at the state of the nuclear industry today as well as what trends and technologies are on the precipice of becoming players in the utility industry is so vital.

Given that, here are a few recent news stories and developments on nuclear power that I'd recommend checking out to spur some thought, further reading, and ideally some discussion on the continued development of nuclear power:

US nuclear is dying, but produced more electricity in 2018 than ever before

When I note that energy in the United States (and globally) is at a crossroads, nuclear power is right in the thick of this-- and this article on arsTechnica exemplifies that idea.

This piece points out that U.S. nuclear accounted for 807 terawatthours in 2018, exceeding the previous peak in 2010-- this coming at an interesting time when the only nuclear project in the works is the long-delayed Vogtle Plant. Despite the lack of growth and continued closures of existing plants, the articles notes that this peak comes "from a combination of scheduling serendipity and what's called 'uprating,' where older nuclear plants are permitted to output more power."

Conn. made the right call keeping Millstone nuclear power plant open

This opinion piece in the Boston Globe does an interesting job comparing the decision by Connecticut's governor to save two Millstone reactors, the largest source of nuclear power in the New England region, with the previous decision by Vermont's governor to close the Vermont Yankee nuclear power plant before it's scheduled retirement date. In his announcement, CT Governor Lamont extolled the clean nature of nuclear power, noting:

"The loss of Millstone would have been catastrophic for our state and our region. The shutdown of the plant would have exposed the New England region to a nearly 25 percent increase in carbon emissions, increased risk of rolling blackouts, billions of dollars in power replacement costs, and the lost of more than 1,500 well-paying jobs."

Nuclear Technology Abandoned Decades Ago Might Give Us Safer, Smaller Reactors

Lastly, a story from a field that continues to be a favorite of mine and a source for nuclear and clean energy optimism: small modular nuclear reactors. This technology would provide many the same benefits of existing large nuclear power plants, but with decreased capital costs, quicker time to build, and increased flexibility in where to build (making them closer to a DER). This article from Discover Magazine does a terrific job explaining the science behind these innovations, as well as profiling the scientists behind this push. It's well-worth a read.