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March 29, 2008
Energy Institute Staff Tours Nuclear Plant
WASHINGTON, D.C. — A delegation from the U.S. Chamber Institute for 21st Century Energy, led by President and CEO General James L. Jones (Ret.), toured Dominion Resources’ North Anna Power Station in Mineral, VA., on February 21.
“Nuclear power is a greenhouse gas-free source of electricity that should be used to grow our energy supply in the coming decades,” General Jones said. The commitment by Dominion and other nuclear suppliers to safety and performance is impressive, General Jones added.
Americans should recognize the promise of nuclear energy — the only emissions free electricity source that provides baseload power — and understand that industry and government experts are working on ways to reduce the amount of waste produced by nuclear plants, General Jones said. Presently, nuclear reactors provide the United States with 20 percent of its electricity.
General Jones also noted that Dominion and other power suppliers face difficult personnel challenges. Because the United States has not built a nuclear facility in over 30 years, there are not enough qualified engineers and construction professionals to staff and manage additional facilities.
The North Anna facility has two units that generate 1,786 megawatts of electricity for 450,000 Virginia homes. The Commonwealth of Virginia, however, must import 30% of its electricity, according to Dominion officials. In the wake of rapidly growing energy demand, Dominion is considering building a third unit on its 1,800-acre site.
ABOUT THE INSTITUTE: The mission of the Institute for 21st Century Energy is to unify energy stakeholders and policymakers behind a common strategy to ensure that America’s supply of fuels and power is adequate, diverse and affordable while protecting national security and improving the environment. The Institute also conducts international outreach to address global energy challenges.
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