Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI) Senior Vice President of Governmental Affairs Alex Flint issued a statement this week praising the U.S. House after it passed the Nuclear Energy Innovation and Capabilities Act (H.R. 4084) this week.
Flint said the bill would provide necessary support for the continued development of advanced nuclear-reactor technology and would keep U.S.-based nuclear power generation at the forefront internationally.
“The nuclear energy industry has driven innovation throughout its history, in plant design and operations,” Flint said. “In Georgia and South Carolina, new reactor designs with advanced safety systems are being built to take us beyond the existing light-water reactors that are the backbone of our electric grid. At the same time, small modular reactors and other advanced technologies are being designed. This legislation will accelerate further innovation by enabling continued private investment in new reactor designs and directing the Department of Energy to prioritize research and development that will support advanced reactor technologies.”
Flint said one of the challenges the country’s energy sector faces is satisfying the growing demand for cost-effective methods of energy generation while eliminating carbon emissions in line with national and international climate-change mitigation goals.
The bill now goes to the Senate for further consideration.
