In the face of rising energy prices, Germany, California, and Japan are reconsidering early nuclear plant retirement.
. Kishida also said that the country is exploring the option of building new next-generation reactors, with a goal of bringing them online in the 2030s.“Japan is one of the best in the world in terms of building new nuclear power plants,” said Bowen.
Even though gearing up nuclear power could help wean countries and states off of fossil fuels, it doesn’t mean their reliance on Russia will go away entirely. Russia is one of the world’s most important stops in the supply chain for nuclear fuel,46% of the world’s uranium enrichment capacity and 40% of its uranium conversion. If the crisis in Ukraine drags on for years, countries that are increasing or maintaining their nuclear capacity may need to find other sources for fuel production.
Bowen pointed out that Kishida has floated small modular reactors as possibilities—technology that eliminates the need for electric pumps to circulate coolant, the systems that failed during the 2011 disaster.There are still bumps in the road for both California and Germany. Some high-powered German officials, including its economy minister, have
the idea of keeping their plants open, while Newsom faces a challenging battle to get his bill passed before the legislature adjourns on Wednesday. But the fact that the discussion is on the table at all, Bowen said, is notable.“To be honest, I’d kind of written [California and Germany] off, but it makes sense to me that they would reconsider,” said Bowen. “I think it’s the logical thing to do.”
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