Commentary: Nuclear Energy Is the Only Way to Achieve Maine’s Climate Goals – The Maine Wire

In response to a rise in climate anxiety, particularly among young voters, politicians have made numerous “climate pledges” to transition entire networks to carbon-free energy sources. These goals are noble. Whether they are realistic remains to be seen, but Maine’s legislature has a chance to make these intentions a reality — without breaking the bank for consumers.

Since Maine Gov. Janet Mills pledged to make the state carbon-neutral by 2045, consumers have seen a massive uptick in energy costs, with Mainers paying 23% more than the national average electric bill. State Rep. Reagan Paul has introduced LD 1549 in the legislature to examine whether small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs) have a role to play in the state’s energy mix. Rep. Paul commented that, “There is growing interest in SMRs around the world, including from our neighbors in New Brunswick, who are investing in the technology today. [SMRs] are good for Maine ratepayers, taxpayers, grid reliability, and will protect the natural beauty of our state.” If Maine environmentalists are serious about tackling climate change and meeting the Governor’s goals, they should support it.

Maine used to host a nuclear power plant that generated 119 billion kilowatt hours (kWh) of electricity — enough for the entire state’s energy needs. The Maine Yankee Atomic Power plant in Wiscasset provided good jobs and massive tax revenue for the town, with the plant contributing 91% of the town’s tax base in 1996. Plant employees who lived locally did not have to pay for their utilities, a great perk for many Wiscasset residents. After several referendums against the plant and maintenance that became too expensive to fix, Maine Yankee was closed in 1996. Today, almost 20 percent of Wiscasset residents live below the poverty line. 

A single small modular reactor (SMR) could bring Wiscasset’s prosperity back and drive down energy costs across the state. SMRs advantages allow them to be installed at locations where sprawling nuclear plants would not be feasible, while still producing carbon-free power. A single SMR is capable of producing 300 megawatts (MW) of power and can be easily transported to the most suitable area. 

Currently, Maine relies heavily on importing energy sources from outside the state with fossil fuels making up the highest percent of demand met by purchases from entities outside the state in 2023. In rural Maine, SMRs could be integrated into the existing power grid and provide consistent power through existing transmission lines. The controversial New England Clean Energy Connect (NECEC) transmission line triggered a referendum from Mainers concerned about the environmental impact from building the transmission lines. Due to SMRs being easily integrated into existing energy infrastructure, there would be no need to level forests to build transmission lines.

Critics of nuclear energy will point to the danger of nuclear waste. While the nuclear waste from Maine Yankee is still stored on site, the 542 tons of waste has never leaked into the surrounding environment or contaminated the area. Mainers have also rejected several renewable energy projects.

Mainers have already rejected offshore wind power due to the impact it will have on the lobster industry, with residents in the state’s rural interior concerned about the windmill’s impact on the natural beauty of Maine’s forests. Windmills also require transmission lines, and are bound to attract the same opposition that the NECEC did. Even solar power has its drawbacks. Efficient energy storage technology for solar energy is not feasible yet and Maine does not receive adequate amounts of sunlight year round. Wind and solar may play a role in meeting Maine’s climate goals, but in support of nuclear power.

Mainers have an opportunity to produce their own energy at home instead of relying on imports of fossil fuels and electricity from out of state. Rep. Paul’s bill is a common sense step towards addressing the state’s climate goals while reducing electricity rates for Mainers. Climate advocates should lend their full support.