The military currently uses nuclear energy to power submarines and large ships. Because of the need for a long-lasting and reliable fuel source aboard Naval vessels, nuclear fuel is the standard for propulsion of U.S. submarines and other ships.[1] The Department of Defense recognizes nuclear power as a secure, lower-cost option for power generation when compared to vulnerable commercial grids and expensive oil.[2]
In addition to providing power to operate industrial plants, low-cost, emission free hydrogen production can benefit the industrial sector. Hydrogen is commonly used in petroleum production as well as the manufacture of plastics. Nuclear power plants would provide a cheap, domestic source for industrial hydrogen.
Nuclear energy can generate hydrogen, which could be used as fuel in vehicles.[3]
If electric vehicles gain popularity in the next few decades, a large increase in demand for electricity would result. Nuclear power would serve as a more sustainable means for creating the power to run America’s cars than the coal-fired plants that currently produce half of the country’s energy.[4]
The most obvious use of nuclear energy would serve to power many residential areas, either through connection to large grids or smaller, local grids in remote areas. Currently, nuclear power accounts for about 20% of total U.S. electricity consumption, much of which is consumed by households.[5]
Research by Margaret Rich
