There are currently 104 active nuclear power plants in the United States.[1] Unfortunately, a large number of nuclear power plants that currently exist are in bad states of disrepair, which will be costly to fix.[2] Despite this, there is a silver lining. The Office of Nuclear Energy states that the creation of nuclear plants will revitalize the heavy manufacturing and construction industries. "The Department estimates that construction of the 17 new light water reactors currently undergoing NRC license review will require approximately: 2,700 pipefitters; 2,900 electricians; 1,800 construction professionals; 600 boilermakers; 2,500 sheet metal workers; and 2,900 iron workers. In addition, an operating nuclear power plant employs 800 highly skilled technicians and managers." [3]
Nuclear power plants have the ability to generate large quantities of hydrogen, which is used both as an industrial material and as a fuel in its own right. However, there is a lack of infrastructure to support widespread use of hydrogen in transportation.[4] Continued R&D in infrastructure for hydrogen-fueled vehicles is necessary to advance this potential benefit of nuclear power.
Research by Margaret Rich
