Fact Check Team: Nuclear power is back in style, but why?

WASHINGTON (TNND) — Public support for nuclear power has reached its highest level in over a decade, with 56% of U.S. adults saying they favor more nuclear power plants to generate electricity, according to the Pew Research Center. Concerns over climate change largely drive this shift in sentiment, as nuclear power produces nearly zero carbon dioxide or other greenhouse gas emissions, unlike fossil fuels.

According to Pew Research, "many advocates say that nuclear power is key to reducing emissions from electricity generation."

In Texas, plans are underway to develop a new fleet of 'next generation' nuclear power plants, according to a comprehensive policy roadmap by the Texas Advanced Nuclear Reactor Working Group. Meanwhile, the Three Mile Island plant in Pennsylvania, the site of the worst nuclear accident in U.S. history, is reopening. Microsoft plans to purchase all the electricity from the reactor to power its data centers and infrastructure, including its growing artificial intelligence efforts.

Nuclear energy has several benefits including being the largest clean power source in the United States. It generates nearly 775 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity each year.

The nuclear industry supports nearly half a million jobs across the country. The Office of Nuclear Energy reports nuclear energy employees make 50% more than workers of other energy generation sources.

However, challenges remain including public perception. Nuclear energy is seen as dangerous due to past global nuclear accidents and its portrayal in media. The industry is developing new reactors and fuels to improve performance and reduce nuclear waste. The waste is stored at over 70 sites in 35 states as Congress works on a permanent solution.

The cost of building new nuclear power plants, often reaching billions of dollars, is another significant hurdle. The Department of Energy is exploring smaller reactor designs to reduce construction timelines and costs.