Nuclear power is witnessing a resurgence in interest across the United States, particularly as major technology corporations like Google and Amazon seek to leverage it for their data centres and AI initiatives. The Biden administration has announced ambitious plans to triple the country’s nuclear power capacity by 2050, aiming for 200 gigawatts of new nuclear energy generation. This would involve restarting defunct facilities and constructing new reactors, a move that aligns with a broader push to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by providing a consistent and carbon-free energy source.
While the nuclear energy landscape is evolving rapidly in many regions, Maine remains sceptical and focused predominantly on renewable sources such as wind and solar power. The state's climate plan, "Maine Can’t Wait," does not even mention nuclear energy, highlighting a lack of governmental support for nuclear power initiatives. Dan Dolan, president of the New England Power Generators Association, remarked, “I have not seen that same level of interest we’ve seen elsewhere,” referring to regulatory challenges making it difficult to build new facilities in the region. He emphasised the extraordinary regulatory barriers that hinder the construction of any new energy projects in New England.
Recent developments across the U.S. illustrate the renewed interest in nuclear energy, especially from the tech sector. Microsoft has struck a deal to restart the infamous Three Mile Island plant in Pennsylvania, while a partnership with the U.S. Department of Energy aims to reopen a nuclear facility in Michigan with a $1.5 billion loan guarantee. Additionally, hundreds of millions of dollars are being invested in the development of small modular reactors (SMRs), touted as the next generation of nuclear energy technology. Notably, Google has partnered with Kairos Power to support the construction of seven SMRs in the country over the next decade, highlighting the demand for a stable power supply for their extensive data needs.
Aneesh Prabhu, managing director at S&P Global, explained the accelerated interest in nuclear energy, stating, “It’s clean and it’s consistent,” which satisfies the steady power demands of data centres. However, the complexity and expense associated with establishing new nuclear plants in Maine are considerable. Public Advocate William Harwood noted a lack of momentum for nuclear development in the state, expressing that he does not foresee any serious initiatives in the next five years.
The opposition to nuclear expansion in Maine is rooted partly in the historical failure of the Maine Yankee plant, which was once hailed as a cost-effective energy solution but ultimately was shut down in 1997 due to rising operational costs and opposition from anti-nuclear groups. Harwood noted, “The Maine public really soured on nuclear” following this debacle. Additionally, Afton Vigue, a spokesperson for the Governor’s Energy Office, articulated that nuclear power is not classified as an "eligible technology" under Maine’s renewable energy standards, further complicating potential initiatives for nuclear power development.
Despite this, there appears to be some legislative interest in exploring nuclear energy options. Last year, minority Republicans attempted to propose a measure seeking information on the establishment of SMRs, although it did not gain traction. Rep. Reagan Paul, a sponsor of the measure, stated that the proposal simply sought to explore “innovative technology” without committing to any actions. Meanwhile, concerns were raised by other representatives regarding the costs associated with nuclear power compared to more established renewable energy sources.
Although Maine’s focus remains on renewables, sentiments towards nuclear power could shift due to changes in public opinion if wind and solar initiatives experience difficulties. Harwood noted, “That electricity has to come from somewhere and we can’t keep burning gas,” suggesting a need for a reliable energy source in light of environmental considerations and the increasing demand for power.
In contrast to Maine's reluctance, the landscape for nuclear energy is evolving, with numerous states considering financial incentives and supportive legislation aimed at establishing nuclear power as a viable part of their energy portfolios. As the U.S. navigates its future energy needs, the balance between renewable sources and nuclear energy continues to be an important discussion, particularly as significant corporate investment in nuclear infrastructure signals a potential transformation in how America approaches energy generation.
Source: Noah Wire Services