Nuclear Power Industry Meltdown

Nuclear power plants produce 20 percent of our country’s electricity, but the industry is in trouble. An aging nuclear reactor fleet combined with low natural gas prices is forcing the shut down of plants across the country. And that impacts many communities that rely on the plants for jobs.

Comic: In the energy waiting room, nuclear power knits a scarf, transmission towers play poker, and a hydroelectric dam takes a nap.

Vote For Our Next IE Questions Topic: What’s Holding This Energy Tech Back?

When it comes to modernizing our energy systems, we’re often forced to wait on new technology to mature (fusion, energy storage). But sometimes, technologies already exist, yet aren’t always used to their full potential. Some examples include nuclear power, hydroelectric dams, long-distance transmission line. Why aren’t these technologies more widespread? Vote on our next energy question to be answered!