There are currently 5 nuclear energy plants in New England:
Millstone 2-878 MW
Waterford, CT
Millstone 3-1148 MW
Waterford, CT
Pilgrim-685 MW
Plymouth, MA
Vermont Yankee-510 MW Vernon, VT
Seabrook-1155 MW
Seabrook, NH
New England is a region with some of the highest electricity rates in
the nation. Thus, generating electricity economically is crucial. As electricity demand in New England is expected to
increase at a rate of one new power plant a year, the region’s nuclear generation is essential to maintain a balance
between supply and demand. Currently, none are under construction. Nuclear energy plants in New England are also increasing
efficiency due to better management practices.
New England should increase its use in nuclear energy because nuclear
energy:
1. Is an essential and reliable source of electricity that maintains
grid stability. The second largest source of supply, New England’s nuclear energy plants generate more than a quarter
of the region’s electricity. Nuclear units typically operate for more than 500 days before refueling.
2. Generate electricity at the lowest cost. Nuclear energy plants
have the lowest production costs of any major source of electricity
(less than a third of the cost of natural gas-fired generation).
As of 2004, U.S. average electricity production costs are 1.7 cents/kwh
for nuclear, 1.9 cents/kwh for coal, 5.4 cents/kwh for oil, and 5.9 cents/kwh for natural gas.
3. Produce no air emissions. In generating electricity, nuclear energy plants produce no nitrogen oxide or sulfur
dioxide that cause smog and acid rain. They also produce no carbon dioxide, a major greenhouse gas, or particulate matter
which has been linked to public health effects. Thus, it is easier to attain greenhouse gas reduction goals for those states
with in-state programs as well as those participating in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative.
On a side note, uranium reserves are more accessible and common than
crude oil reserves for the U.S. Thus, using more nuclear energy will lessen our dependence on foreign oil.
