Dr. Conca reports that another study on the economics of nuclear energy found unequivocally that nuclear power plants provide substantial economic benefits to the states and regions in which they reside. In this case, the study focused on the Columbia Generating Station, operated by Energy Northwest, in eastern Washington State. Performed by the Nuclear Energy Institute, the study found that the power plant, with a nameplate capacity recently increased to 1,207 MW, generates over 9 billion kWhs of emission-free electricity every year, enough to power the City of Seattle.
All while generating more than $690 million in economic output - over $475 million for Washington State and over $215 million for the rest of the United States. Additionally, the analysis finds that Columbia Generating Station supports almost 4,000 jobs annually. Nuclear power produces more jobs at higher pay than all other energy sources combined. The nuclear plant contributes approximately $13.4 million annually in local and state taxes. This includes $5.3 million in privilege taxes, i.e., a tax for the privilege of producing electricity in the State of Washington. Per state statute, privilege taxes are distributed to the state school fund, state general fund, and 37 separate jurisdictions within 35 miles of the power plant. So it is fortunate that Columbia Generating Station is licensed to operate for another 25 years - at least.
Dr. Conca expresses frustration on how often these benefits have to be mentioned for every nuclear plant before people realize that the cost per kWh in a warped subsidized electricity market isn’t the only measure of economic strength. Nor is carbon the only positive environmental effect of this nuclear plant. Yes, Columbia Generating Station prevents the emission of over 3.6 million metric tons of carbon dioxide, the same amount released by approximately 778,000 cars every year. But the power plant also does not emit other air pollutants such as mercury and other heavy metals, nitrogen oxide and sulfur dioxide, precursors to acid rain and urban smog.
Whether it’s replacing inefficient lights with light emitting diode fixtures, installing occupancy sensors in office buildings and warehouses, recycling hundreds of tons of plastic, aluminum, paper, cardboard and metal each year, or reducing electrical consumption and fuel use with employee carpooling, installation of electric vehicle charging stations, and removing or replacing purchased gases, Columbia Generating Station has the smallest environmental footprint per kWh of electricity produced of any other type of power station in America.
Last year, the Northwest Public Power Association awarded Energy Northwest first place for safety performance. Separately, Washington State’s Chamber of Commerce and the Association of Washington Businesses named Energy Northwest the 2016 Employer of the Year.
In Dr. Conca's opinion, it doesn’t get much better for a power company than this. Those states still considering shutting down their nuclear plants need to pay attention. [Yes, the cost to build new plants are high, but so where dams like Boulder and others and the long-term economics make sense. Added to the outstanding safety record of nuclear power and the low unit cost of electricity prices at the community level, no other energy source makes real sense.]
Original URL: https://www.forbes.com/sites/jamesconca/2018/01/16/nuclear-power-provides-a-whole-lot-more-than-just-energy/#47852fbe5e7e