☢️ Nuclear comeback

First new nuclear reactor in the US in over 40 years goes live, GM partners with Tesla on EV charging infrastructure, State-level restrictions are increasingly delaying renewable energy projects

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Acclimate Editor
June 09, 2023

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In today’s brief:

  • First new nuclear reactor in the US in over 40 years goes live

  • GM partners with Tesla on EV charging infrastructure

  • State-level restrictions are increasingly delaying renewable energy projects

Let’s dive in!

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THE BIG IDEA

☢️ Nuclear comeback

After years of construction and rising costs, the first new nuclear reactor in the US in over 40 years is operational in Georgia.

Why it matters: While the Vogtle project has faced extensive delays and rising costs, it highlights the potential of nuclear power in the transition to a low-carbon future.

  • With renewable energy sources being intermittent, nuclear power provides a reliable and continuous source of clean electricity, capable of powering hundreds of thousands of homes without burning fossil fuels.

  • By replacing coal plants with nuclear energy, Georgia's carbon emissions from electricity generation are expected to decrease by 5 to 10 percent, contributing to efforts in combating climate change.

Why it's happening: The urgency to decarbonize and address the climate crisis has enhanced the appeal of nuclear power as a reliable and emission-free energy source.

  • Nuclear plants can serve as a complementary component to intermittent renewables, ensuring a stable electricity supply.

  • Despite the prolonged construction and cost escalations experienced by the Vogtle project, its completion highlights the role of nuclear power in the energy transition.

What's next: Energy efficiency improvements and cheaper solar offer more cost-effective decarbonization methods. But proponents of nuclear power see it as essential to enabling the energy transition.

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QUICK DEBRIEF

  • GM announced adoption of Tesla's NACS port for EVs. The deal allows GM electric vehicle owners access to Tesla Superchargers, promoting EV adoption and a robust charging infrastructure. Read more.

  • The South is becoming a vibrant hub for EV and battery manufacturing in the US, driving the clean energy transition. Incentives from the Inflation Reduction Act have spurred the emergence of a new Battery Belt across states like Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia, and the Carolinas. Read more.

  • Al Gore's Generation Investment Management launched a $1.7 billion Sustainable Solutions Fund IV to invest in companies driving sustainability and responsible innovation. The fund aims to capitalize on the "sustainability revolution" with the potential of an industrial and digital revolution combined. Read more.

  • Renewable energy executives express ongoing optimism for the post-IRA period but acknowledge challenges like supply chain constraints and transmission shortages that hinder industry growth. There is concern that failure to find timely solutions may impact regulatory and public support for renewable energy. Read more.

  • A report by Columbia Law School reveals widespread opposition to renewable energy projects with 228 local and 9 state-level restrictions impeding development across the US. The report identifies 293 contested projects, indicating growing opposition to renewables. Read more.

  • Agoro Carbon Alliance announces over $15 million in payments to U.S. farmers and ranchers. With strong sign-ups, the program outperforms other carbon programs by focusing on farmer and rancher success. Read more.

  • The number of EVs on the road is projected to reach 100 million by 2026 and 700 million by 2040. However, stronger action is needed to ensure net-zero emissions, especially for heavy commercial vehicles and charging infrastructure. Read more.

  • Volkswagen is introducing the US version of the electric Microbus, the ID Buzz, with three rows and more power and space. The design remains true to the retro-futuristic style. Read more.

  • Climate scientists have determined that it is too late to save summer Arctic sea ice, leading to an increased risk of extreme weather events in the northern hemisphere. The melting is primarily caused by human-induced global heating. Read more.

  • Polluters in the trash burning, plastics, and agriculture industries are positioning themselves as green to access federal subsidies. Industries seek to rebrand as environmentally friendly as they compete for billions in climate subsidies. Read more.

TWITTER VIBES

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