Governments, utilities, and industries are looking to transition away from coal-based, electrical, and thermal generation to help meet carbon reduction and other emissions-related goals. Continued operation of coal assets may result in reduced economic and regulatory certainty. Many organizations are reviewing nuclear energy as an option due to its ability to provide carbon-free, dispatchable, and firm power.
Existing coal plants can provide benefits and opportunities that make consideration of deploying new nuclear generation on, or near, an existing coal site a compelling option. At the same time, however, utilities must consider the issues that come with reusing a previously industrialized site.
This report directly supports Repower’s mission by demonstrating that coal-to-nuclear repowering is a technically credible and practically achievable pathway for reducing emissions while maintaining firm, dispatchable power. By focusing on reuse of existing sites, infrastructure, and skills, it reinforces the case that well-designed repowering projects can protect communities, enhance system reliability, and accelerate the clean energy transition without unnecessary asset stranding.