Wright: SC, region benefit from nuclear energy

This week, leading energy voices came together at the University of South Carolina for a discussion hosted by Nuclear Matters on the importance of nuclear power in North Carolina and South Carolina. We heard from stakeholders about the contributions nuclear energy brings, as well as the challenges existing nuclear power plants face. The sentiment was that nuclear provides tremendous benefits to the region and has a large role to play in the country’s clean-energy future.

The two states’ 12 nuclear generating units, two nuclear fuel fabrication plants and construction at the Savannah River mixed oxide fuel facility serve as important economic drivers for their communities and the region. A Clemson study found that the nuclear power industry has a $20 billion economic impact in South Carolina and North Carolina, providing 29,000 highly skilled jobs and more than $2.2 billion in payroll and paying more than $950 million in state and local taxes.

South Carolina is also fortunate to have the construction of the Virgil C. Summer Units 2 and 3 and Plant Vogtle Units 3 and 4 just across the border in Georgia, driving additional jobs and economic growth, and ensuring the area will continue to reap nuclear’s many benefits.

Clemson found that nuclear energy also adds $2 billion in indirect payroll and 71,000 indirect jobs, in maintenance, manufacturing and services.

The electricity provided by the plants is also critical in ensuring the region has a reliable and diverse energy mix, so we enjoy lower electricity prices without being overly reliant on one source of energy.

For more than 40 years, South Carolina and North Carolina have enjoyed electricity from nuclear energy that produces virtually no carbon dioxide emissions. This is important as states will have to comply with the Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean Power Plan limiting limits carbon emissions.

Nuclear energy provides clean, safe and reliable electricity. I hope these discussions will keep nuclear energy top of mind for state and national leaders, as well as residents.

This story was originally published November 7, 2015 at 10:38 AM.