The outlook for US nuclear plants in competitive electricity markets

In the US, the electricity utility business is undergoing a major reinvention as a result of both federal and state regulatory actions. As the electricity market becomes more competitive, the US nuclear programme is facing new opportunities and challenges. This paper discusses the significant opportunities for continued operation and for licence renewal of US plants, and the increased chances for the ordering of new plants in the middle of the next decade. It also looks at the growing policy support for the economic and environmental benefits of nuclear energy, and discusses the prospects for reforming the regulatory process.