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Nuclear new build in the United States 1990–2010: A three state analysis

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  • Heffron, Raphael J.

Abstract

This research examines nuclear energy policy across three states in the United States (US) – Georgia, Pennsylvania, and Texas – from 1990 to 2010. Therefore, the nuclear energy crisis at Fukushima in Japan March 2011 is beyond the scope of this paper. Nevertheless, the fundamental conclusions of this research remain valid, as the impact of Fukushima is not yet known and in addition the US has experienced its own crisis in Three Mile Island, which has shaped its own nuclear industry to an extent already. Interviews are at the core of the research methodology employed, which is similar to other in-depth studies on nuclear new build. The aim of this paper is to identify and clarify those aspects of the legal, economic, and political requirements of the US that affect prospects for nuclear new build but which, so far, have not been well understood by experts. The research provides these new insights through a unique comparison of US states which have deregulated, regulated and ‘hybrid’ electricity markets. It is evident that law can play a central role in the nuclear energy sector, and the role of state-driven policy in the nuclear energy sector is also demonstrated. Further, the methodology identifies key assumptions within the nuclear sector in the US that are contested, and delivers lessons on how these contested issues may be resolved. The paper adds to the literature in public administration, legal development and nuclear energy policy, and in particular nuclear new build.

Suggested Citation

  • Heffron, Raphael J., 2013. "Nuclear new build in the United States 1990–2010: A three state analysis," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 80(5), pages 876-892.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:tefoso:v:80:y:2013:i:5:p:876-892
    DOI: 10.1016/j.techfore.2012.10.023
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    Cited by:

    1. Khan, Muhammad T. & Thopil, George Alex & Lalk, Jorg, 2016. "Review of proposals for practical power sector restructuring and reforms in a dynamic electricity supply industry," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 62(C), pages 326-335.
    2. Heffron, Raphael J., 2013. "Nuclear energy policy in the United States 1990–2010: A federal or state responsibility?," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 62(C), pages 254-266.
    3. Heffron, Raphael J. & McCauley, Darren & Sovacool, Benjamin K., 2015. "Resolving society's energy trilemma through the Energy Justice Metric," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 87(C), pages 168-176.
    4. Sainati, Tristano & Locatelli, Giorgio & Smith, Nigel, 2019. "Project financing in nuclear new build, why not? The legal and regulatory barriers," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 129(C), pages 111-119.
    5. Heffron, Raphael J. & McCauley, Darren, 2014. "Achieving sustainable supply chains through energy justice," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 123(C), pages 435-437.
    6. Chuanwang Sun & Nan Lyu & Xiaoling Ouyang, 2014. "Chinese Public Willingness to Pay to Avoid Having Nuclear Power Plants in the Neighborhood," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 6(10), pages 1-27, October.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Nuclear energy policy; Nuclear new build; Technology; Lessons learned; State law; Public administration;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • K32 - Law and Economics - - Other Substantive Areas of Law - - - Energy, Environmental, Health, and Safety Law
    • L94 - Industrial Organization - - Industry Studies: Transportation and Utilities - - - Electric Utilities
    • Q58 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics - - - Environmental Economics: Government Policy
    • Y80 - Miscellaneous Categories - - Related Disciplines - - - Related Disciplines

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