In politics, you never know how or why the next coalition will be formed. Adversaries can become allies as quickly as conditions change. So, as energy prices soar and the demand for cleaner energy increases, people with very different perspectives are being drawn to the idea of expanding the use of nuclear power.
Fear of nuclear power as a long-term threat to public health seems to have waned in the 30 years since Three Mile Island and the 22 years since Chernobyl. A recent poll conducted by CNBC found respondents split down the middle on whether they would support the construction of a nuclear power facility “in their backyard.” Forty-five percent were in favor while 46 percent said “no.” When Republican presidential candidate John McCain talks about the need for nuclear power on the campaign trail, Democrat Barack Obama mostly looks the other way without trying to turn the concept into a wedge issue.
Here in Connecticut, we should take a special interest in the debate. Although the siting of a new nuclear plant — anywhere — could be years off, the easiest place to put one is where they already exist. Connecticut has two; Millstone Two and Three in Waterford.
No Emissions
Together, the two facilities can produce 2,045 megawatts of electricity a day, according to Dominion Resources, the owner and operator. That’s about 45 percent of Connecticut’s electricity demand and about 15 percent of all the power output in New England. Up to 1.6 million megawatts a year. All of this without the emissions of fossil fuels such as coal, oil and natural gas. Ironically, the lack of emissions is turning some environmentalists toward an energy source they once protested.
From a business perspective, a further investment in nuclear power may be necessary in a state that has been reluctant to approve large scale energy projects during the last 10 years. Looking ahead, Unit Two is licensed to operate until 2035 and Unit Three is licensed to 2045. Given the long and controversial process of siting a reactor, it makes sense to start planning now about how to replace the energy they supply.
Connecticut’s unregulated energy market presents another hurdle for nuclear power advocates. Currently, there is no mechanism for an energy generator to tap into ratepayers’ wallets to finance the construction of a new plant. There would need to be a change in the law to make that happen and although a Dominion representative says his company is more than willing to discuss that option, it doesn’t seem to be in the political cards right now. But that could change.
Signaling The Marketplace
By the end of this year, a small bipartisan group of state lawmakers will consider the formation of a working group on nuclear power in Connecticut. Republican Rep. Sean Williams, the ranking member of the Energy Committee, says he feels strongly that public sentiment against nuclear power has turned and the state needs to be willing to consider it as an option if we are to hold down prices and meet demand. At the very least, he wants to send a signal to the marketplace that Connecticut is interested in pursuing nuclear as one alternative.
It is a conversation worth having. Since Millstone came on line in 1970, it is estimated the use of nuclear energy has led to the conservation of the equivalent of over 400 million barrels of oil while avoiding the associated air pollution and creating thousands of jobs. Over 1,000 people work at Millstone today. Electricity demand will continue to grow with Connecticut’s economy. To ignore this alternative is to turn our backs on a 40 year relationship.
Dean Pagani is a former gubernatorial advisor. He is V.P. of Public Affairs for Cashman and Katz Integrated Communications in Glastonbury.
