A new report argues that the only viable path to lasting U.S. economic recovery is a federally directed mobilization to build dozens of new nuclear power plants, retooling the nation’s idle auto and manufacturing sectors to support the effort.
The document, authored by Marsha Freeman and published in 21st Century Science & Technology, asserts that nuclear energy—with its high energy flux density and capital-intensive nature—is essential for rebuilding the nation’s productive economy. It calls for the creation of a federal corporation to provide long-term, low-interest (≤2%) credit to utilities for nuclear construction, bypassing Wall Street financing barriers.
Key Findings:
- Financing Crisis: High interest rates can double the cost of nuclear plants. For example, Tennessee Valley Authority estimates rose from ~$5 billion to $9.9–$17.5 billion for two reactors due to financing costs.
- Manufacturing Collapse: The U.S. nuclear manufacturing base has largely disappeared. Critical components like reactor pressure vessels are now sourced almost exclusively from Japan Steel Works, which faces a four-year backlog.
- Shovel-Ready Sites: At least 28 existing nuclear sites (“brownfields”) are permitted and ready for new reactor construction, significantly shortening startup timelines.
- Workforce Shortage: Over 35% of the current nuclear workforce will retire in five years, requiring tens of thousands of new engineers, construction workers, and technicians.
- Auto Industry Retooling: With over 30 million square feet of auto manufacturing space idled, the report proposes converting these facilities to produce modular nuclear components, leveraging existing skilled labor and machine tools.
The report notes that only a handful of companies worldwide—mostly in Japan, France, South Korea, and Russia—can produce large nuclear forgings. China, India, and South Korea are rapidly expanding their domestic nuclear manufacturing capabilities, while the U.S. depends on imports for essential components.
Critique of “Smart Grid” & Renewables:
The article criticizes “smart grid” proposals as inadequate and destabilizing, arguing they are designed to accommodate intermittent renewable sources rather than expand base-load capacity. It calls instead for grid modernization using technologies like superconducting cables.
Recommendations:
- Establish a federal credit facility to finance nuclear construction at minimal interest.
- Mobilize and retool the auto and machine-tool industries for nuclear component production.
- Fast-track permits for brownfield nuclear sites.
- Launch a national training initiative to address the nuclear workforce shortage.
- Prioritize modular reactor designs for both large-scale and smaller grid applications.
The report frames nuclear expansion as a matter of economic survival, stating that without a federally led revival of nuclear energy and domestic heavy manufacturing, the U.S. economy will continue to decline. The proposed “Apollo-style” mobilization would require trillions in federal credit over decades but could create tens of thousands of high-skilled jobs and secure the nation’s energy future.#
