— Written by Lyle Jarvis

It’s Not Newclear 🗞️

Nuclear power has historically been seen as a hot-button issue, but that doesn’t mean it’s gone overlooked in our energy supply. The reality is nuclear has been quietly powering millions of homes across America for the last 60 years. In fact, in 2023 alone, it accounted for nearly half of our clean electricity.

There are already 94 nuclear power reactors operating across 28 states. Meanwhile, leading scientists around the globe are innovating how we handle toxic waste. In fact, nuclear tombs (also referred to as geological disposal facilities) are being planned, developed or soon opening in more than 20 countries. 

Nuclear fuel is extremely dense – meaning it doesn’t take up as much space as you might think. All of the used nuclear fuel produced by the U.S. nuclear energy industry over the last 60 years could fit on a football field at a depth of less than 10 yards!

Nuclear also has the highest capacity factor of any other energy source (including oil and gas). Operating at full capacity around 93% of the time, it clocks in as the most reliable source of energy in America.

While these benefits alone might seem like an easy bandwagon to hop on, the issue of nuclear power has been a decades-long heated debate – coming to a crux in recent years as we search for both solutions to our growing energy demand and solving climate change. Check out episode 6 of our climate comedy series Unf*cking The Planet to learn why it’s (by far) the most rabbit holes Hazel’s ever gone down, and get everything you need to know to join the debate!

Fuel for Both Sides of the Aisle ⚖️ 🤝

Perhaps one of nuclear power’s greatest strengths is its broad bipartisan support. According to Pew Research, the majority of U.S. adults (56%) say they favor more nuclear power plants to generate electricity. Democrats see it as a critical solution to decarbonize the power sector and fight climate change, while Republicans view it as a means to ensure reliable electricity supply and create jobs.

In fact, Republicans are leading the charge. In a Pew survey last year, Republicans were more likely than Democrats to support expanding nuclear power – clocking in at two-thirds in favor, as compared to about half of Democrats.

Last year, the government passed a bill to boost nuclear development by a landslide, with a whopping 88-2 vote in the Senate and 393-13 vote in the house. Alongside the federal push, states have been developing their own power plans. Already this year, Michigan and Maine are among several states with (primarily Republican) lawmakers advocating for nuclear expansion.

Big Tech is Going Nuclear ⚛️ 🤖

Some of the world’s biggest tech companies are leading the pack for the nuclear boom – particularly for its benefits to powering data centers. Last year, Amazon poured hundreds of millions into funding a string of nuclear reactors, with other tech giants like Google and Microsoft making dueling investments.

The demand for electricity is growing higher than ever, placing strain on grids around the globe, especially for data centers and artificial intelligence. Even further, The International Energy Agency forecasts that data centers’ total electricity consumption could more than double from 2022 to next year.

Consistent, reliable generation from nuclear power plants helps ensure data centers have access to sufficient electricity around-the-clock, with the added benefit of being carbon-free.

As the demand for energy grows, we’ll be keeping a close eye on how these big tech companies are doubling down on their nuclear bet as we inch closer to (fingers crossed) a fossil-free society. 

📅 Community Announcements 🫂🌱🏟️

🎥 Attention Film Lovers: On Wednesday, April 16th, we’re teaming up with our friends at Carbonauts to host a free screening of the film, Mrs. Robinson. TFrom Ireland's first female President to the climate's staunchest defender, the story of #MaryRobinson and her fight for climate action is the inspiration we need right now to kickstart climate action.  Watch the film's trailer here. 🎟️ Get your free virtual ticket here!

📅  Date: Wednesday, April 16

⏰ Time: 4:30PM PT/7:30PM ET (UPDATED TIME!)

📍 Where: Virtual via Kinema + Carbonauts Film Club for post screening conversation

Huge thanks to Project Dandelion for making this screening possible!

👀 Some Stories You Might Have Missed This Week 🗞️📺:

1. Finland shut down its last active coal-fired power plant, marking a new turn in their clean energy transition. (Reuters)

2. Google / X’s Dandelion will partner with a homebuilder in Colorado, announcing 1,500 new homes to be powered with geothermal heat pumps. (Canary Media)

3. A UN-led coalition of global leaders is meeting this week to possibly pass a landmark deal to cut shipping emissions. (E&E Politico)