By Michelle Rosinski | Commentary, Rocky Mountain Voice
As Colorado grapples with increasing energy demands and the urgent need to move away from coal to meet environmental and health goals, the question arises: how can we ensure that this transition provides economic opportunities and stability for coal-dependent communities?
For decades, the American working class has borne the brunt of energy transitions. From coal miners to oil rig workers, shifts in energy policy have often led to job losses and economic instability. As we move toward a cleaner future, it is imperative that we avoid repeating these mistakes.
Nuclear energy, particularly advanced small modular reactors (SMRs), presents a viable solution that can facilitate a just transition away from coal, ensuring energy reliability, economic growth, and environmental stewardship. One might wonder why Colorado, despite its strong commitment to clean energy, is not taking advantage of nuclear power.
Colorado has not had an active nuclear power generator since 1989, and its clean energy strategy has predominantly centered on wind and solar. Concerns about spent fuel, nuclear meltdowns, and water usage are likely culprits, but advancements in technology have largely addressed these issues. To be clear, though, nuclear power has always been safe and environmentally friendly – contrary to what pop culture in the form of The Simpsons or The China Syndrome would have us believe.
Modern nuclear reactors have significantly improved spent fuel management. Innovative technologies allow for the safe storage of spent fuel. Additionally, ongoing research into recycling spent fuel holds the promise of turning it into a valuable resource, minimizing the environmental footprint and enhancing the sustainability of nuclear energy.
The fear of nuclear accidents, while understandable, is largely overstated due to past high-profile incidents and a lack of awareness about advancements in nuclear safety. In reality, nuclear energy is one of the safest sources of power. Nuclear accidents are extremely rare and modern reactors have multiple redundant safety systems, including passive mechanisms to automatically shut down the reactor in emergencies, ensuring that the failures of the past will not be a concern for the future.
Water usage is another valid concern, especially in a state like Colorado where water resources are precious. However, modern reactors have been engineered to use less water and are exploring alternative cooling methods. These innovations mean that nuclear power can be both energy-efficient and water-conscious, aligning with Colorado’s environmental goals.
One example is the Natrium reactor being developed by TerraPower and GE Hitachi at a retired coal plant in Kemmerer, Wyoming. By repurposing an existing coal plant site, this project will not only demonstrate the value of liquid sodium as a coolant but will also support the transition of coal-dependent communities to cleaner energy sources.
Small modular reactors can provide a much-needed economic boost to communities affected by coal plant closures, such as the Comanche Station Unit 3 coal plant in Pueblo. SMRs can be integrated into existing infrastructure and utilize the current workforce with minimal retraining. This approach supports a just transition while also strengthening the social fabric of our state.
One pushback against nuclear energy’s role in a just transition is the lengthy project timelines and high costs. The U.S. has been out of practice with building nuclear plants for decades. As we undertake more projects, efficiency will improve, reducing project duration and costs. Additionally, the permitting process is overly cumbersome and needs streamlining for quicker, more cost-effective development.
Encouragingly, at the federal level, the ADVANCE Act (Accelerating Deployment of Versatile, Advanced Nuclear for Clean Energy) was signed into law after passing through the House and Senate with overwhelming bipartisan support. But at the state level, a Senate bill that would have reclassified nuclear energy as clean energy failed to pass for the second year in a row.
We need to do better. Colorado must embrace nuclear energy to secure a just transition for coal communities, create high-quality jobs, and lead the nation in building a sustainable and prosperous energy future.
Michelle Rosinski has held roles as a software engineer, operations manager, and product manager at major energy companies such as Schneider Electric, Baker Hughes, and GE. She runs the CommonGroundClimate.com blog where she discusses climate change solutions that respect both sides of the political spectrum. This piece was written in collaboration with the American Conservation Coalition.
Editor’s note: Opinions expressed in commentary pieces are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the management of the Rocky Mountain Voice, but even so we support the constitutional right of the author to express those opinions.