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The energy needs of the country are growing at a phenomenal pace, and SCE&G has forecast a need for baseload electric generation by 2016. The company has teamed with Santee Cooper to select nuclear power to fill that need. The two new nuclear units will be located at the V.C. Summer Nuclear Station site near Jenkinsville, SC.
Why is nuclear power the right choice to meet South Carolina’s future energy needs? It has distinguished itself for several reasons:
Nuclear power is clean. Nuclear plants do not burn fossil fuels so they do not give off pollutants associated with smog, acid rain and high ozone levels. Nuclear plants do not produce “greenhouse” gases that can lead to global warming. As our nation looks for ways to clean up our air and slow the pace of global warming nuclear plants can be a vital part of the solution.
Nuclear power is economical. Nuclear plants produce electricity at a lower cost than plants that burn fossil fuels. Nuclear fuel is less expensive, and the uranium used to make it is plentiful. A single pellet of nuclear fuel, about the size of a pencil eraser, can produce as much electricity as a ton of coal or 17,000 cubic feet of natural gas.
Nuclear power is reliable. Nuclear plants can operate at their maximum output 24 hours a day, seven days a week for months on end. This high reliability helps hold down the cost of nuclear-generated electricity.
Nuclear power is proven. Nuclear plants have been producing millions of megawatt-hours of electricity safely and reliably in South Carolina since the 1960s. V.C. Summer has been providing electricity to SCE&G customers for more than 24 years. That wealth of experience and knowledge will carry over to the new units.
Check out scnuclear.com for more details on why is nuclear power the right choice to meet South Carolina’s future energy needs.
Learn More About Our New Nuclear Plans
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