Energy Transition

Was Vogtle 3 the beginning of a nuclear resurgence?

byCarson Kearl, Enverus Intelligence® | Research (EIR) Contributor

The Vogtle Unit 3 nuclear reactor began its commercial operations at the end of July. Based in Georgia, the facility will provide clean electricity to the southeast U.S. for likely longer than the next half-century. This marks the first U.S. deployment of Westinghouse’s AP1000 Generation III+ reactor. Its completion represents a significant milestone in the U.S. nuclear industry, being the first reactor to be built from scratch in more than a decade. Detractors will point to the massively over-budget and over-time project completion, though the next generation of nuclear technology is leaps ahead regarding safety and project standup time. If a resurgence is to occur, the ability of new advanced nuclear reactors to provide low-emissions baseload power with a fraction of the footprint of renewables (Figure 1) positions them well for the grid of the future.

Are we on the brink of a potential resurgence of nuclear deployments? Microsoft and Nucor are among the major U.S. companies to have initiated equity partnerships with advanced reactor companies, signaling an interest and commitment to exploring the potential of utilizing nuclear energy in their operations. Additionally, representatives of eastern European nations have committed to the deployment of dozens of advanced reactors before the end of the decade. Suppliers in the U.S. and abroad look to Europe’s favorable regulatory frameworks and approval processes to lead the adoption of new reactor technologies, expecting that once ground is broken on initial facility sites the North American market will change its tune.

Highlights from Energy Transition Research

  1. Broad reach crystallizes more than $1 billion in 4 years, Engie gets meaningful upside – French multinational utility company Engie has agreed to acquire the battery storage assets of Houston-based Broad Reach Power.
  2. Occidental buys direct air capture partner carbon engineering for $1.1 billion – Furthering its bet on direct air capture, Occidental Petroleum is buying Canada-based Carbon Engineering for $1.1 billion cash consisting of three equal payments with the first due at closing.
  3. Unpacking EPA emissions proposal – Forced coal retirements and rising power costs – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has proposed new emission standards for power plants. This Prism Signal examines the cost implications of its enactment for the sector and for particular companies that would be most impacted by the regulation.

Energy is changing. Connect weekly with the ideas that are leading the way.

About Enverus Intelligence®| Research
Enverus Intelligence® | Research, Inc. (EIR) is a subsidiary of Enverus that publishes energy-sector research focused on the oil, natural gas, power and renewable industries. EIR publishes reports including asset and company valuations, resource assessments, technical evaluations, and macro-economic forecasts and helps make intelligent connections for energy industry participants, service companies, and capital providers worldwide. EIR is registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission as a foreign investment adviser.  Click here to learn more.

Picture of Carson Kearl, Enverus Intelligence® | Research (EIR) Contributor

Carson Kearl, Enverus Intelligence® | Research (EIR) Contributor

As an Analyst on the Enverus Intelligence® | Research (EIR), Carson is the lead on data centers and advanced energy technologies. He was previously an analyst on the macro team and has additional experience advising large industrial consumers on their energy consumption. His education in economics at the University of Alberta focused on industrial organization and power markets.

Subscribe to the Enverus Blog

A weekly update on the latest “no-fluff” insight and analysis of the energy industry.

Related Content

data-center-demand
Energy Transition
ByAdam Robinson, Enverus Intelligence® | Research (EIR) Contributor

Explosive growth in artificial intelligence and the increasing prevalence of cryptocurrency mining are sending data center expansion through the roof.

energy-transition-power-and-renewables-hero-image
Power and Renewables
ByEvan Powell

Arizona Public Service (APS) is the largest energy provider in Arizona, serving about 1.4 million customers across the state. Its territory has emerged as a prime location for renewable energy and battery storage development, largely due to Arizona's abundant solar...

nuclear-worker
Energy Transition
ByAmyra Mardhani

The rapid adoption of AI has created exponential demand for data centers. Hyperscalers such as Microsoft, Google and Amazon require reliable, low-carbon electricity to power future data centers, leading to a renewed interest in nuclear energy.

Enverus Press Release - Enverus Earns Top Workplaces Honors for Fourth Consecutive Year
Other
BySusie Yuill

Discover why the Enverus EVOLVE 2025 Conference, happening May 12–15 in Houston, is the must-attend energy event of the year. Gain exclusive insights into market trends, network with industry leaders, and learn practical strategies to power your business forward.

ofs
Oilfield Services
ByAdriana Bickford

Discover how the Enverus OFS Directory can elevate your oilfield services business. Learn the top 5 benefits of joining, from real-time bid tracking to direct communication with operators, helping you gain visibility and win new contracts.

Enverus Press Release - Updated US residential solar and storage forecast predicts major shifts in power demand by 2050
Power and Renewables
ByRob Allerman

As winter approaches, it’s critical that power traders, analysts and asset managers stay up to date about shifting dynamics in the power markets. Our Winter 2024 Power Market Outlook webinar explored the latest developments for the New York Independent System...

Enverus Press Release - Enverus reveals Texas’ renewable energy hot shots
Power and Renewables
ByRob Allerman

Prepare for Winter 2024 with insights on MISO, PJM, and SPP power markets. Explore weather forecasts, renewable energy developments, and price trends to stay ahead this season.

Enverus Press Release - No pain, no gain: Short-term headwinds for natural gas could bring beneficial long-term tailwinds
Other
ByBryn Davies

Enverus’ Commitment to Fostering a Global Quality of Life Introduction The Switch Competition is an exciting global event that brings together the brightest university students to tackle real-world energy challenges. This year, several members of Enverus had the privilege of...

Enverus Press Release - Hydrogen hype meets reality in EIR’s inaugural fundamentals report
Power and Renewables
ByEvan Michalec

Discover how Enverus PRISM streamlines the renewable energy RFP search process, saving time and increasing efficiency. Learn how to find and filter RFPs, track trends and optimize project siting with advanced geospatial tools.

Let’s get started!

We’ll follow up right away to show you a quick product tour.

Let’s get started!

We’ll follow up right away to show you a quick product tour.

Sign up for our Blog

Register Today

Sign Up

Power Your Insights

Connect with an Expert

Access Product Tour

Speak to an Expert