Nuclear energy has been a topic of debate in the United States and New York since the 1980s. However, it is now viewed by some as a potential solution for producing green energy. Companies like Microsoft are considering restarting Three Mile Island Unit 1 to power data centers.
On November 18, Stony Brook's Collaborative for the Earth (C4E) hosted a presentation to discuss nuclear energy's renewable, economic, and political aspects with non-scientists. Heather Lynch, director of C4E, emphasized that "nuclear energy is now seen by many as a key technology in fighting climate change even as society wrestles with concerns over waste storage and the risk of accidents."
The Nuclear 101 presentation covered various topics including the resurgence of nuclear power plants due to increasing electricity demands from AI-driven data centers. Lance Snead from the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences shared insights on nuclear energy and highlighted corporate investments in nuclear technology by companies like Amazon, Microsoft, and Google.
Snead explained that these companies are preparing for an anticipated 10 percent increase in U.S. energy demand within five years while balancing factors such as reliable power needs, costs, and environmental impact perceptions. He stated, “We need energy, we need power,” noting the simplicity of thermodynamic processes involved.
In New York and beyond, fossil fuel consumption continues to surpass renewable energy use. Snead suggested that progress with renewables could be accelerated through nuclear energy. Currently, nuclear and hydroelectric power together contribute significantly to New York's low-carbon energy production.
Despite plans to double global reactors from over 400 across 31 nations, public perception remains a challenge due to past incidents at Three Mile Island Unit 2 in Pennsylvania (1979), Fukushima Daiichi (2021), and Chernobyl (1986). These events led to negative opinions and policy decisions halting new domestic projects.
However, support for nuclear power has grown nationally since the 1980s. Snead noted design improvements made after these incidents have enhanced safety measures in newer reactor generations. He remarked on protective boundaries within reactors: “You always have multiple boundaries to protect the public.”
While acknowledging issues like nuclear waste storage without long-term solutions due to political reasons or construction costs outpacing other countries', Snead mentioned precautions taken near plants.
Lynch expressed hope that discussions would inspire consideration of trade-offs when addressing environmental challenges beyond engineering fields: “This isn’t a topic we can ignore.”
C4E also screened "Nuclear Now," a documentary directed by Oliver Stone featuring faculty expert talks last November. The Collaborative will continue focusing on nuclear energy into Spring 2025 with upcoming events planned.