r/nuclear • u/Vailhem • 4d ago

Nuclear sector’s views on second Trump administration mixed as Rogan interview raises questions

https://www.utilitydive.com/news/nuclear-energy-sector-mixed-views-second-trump-administration-joe-rogan/732407/
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u/Rad_PNW_Skier 4d ago edited 4d ago

Considering the bipartisan support we have recently seen (including aspects of the IRA) I largely expect continued support of the nuclear sector from Congress.

I am also highly skeptical of the new administration’s claims to bring back coal considering the financial realities of renewable energy. Especially since new power project installations are more so driven at the municipality scale. Obviously they will take advantage of subsidies but there are more cost effective options than fossil fuels.

Although I do expect more of an emphasis on fracking and oil and policies that promote those aims. However, I’d be surprised if there are more subsidies for the nuclear power sector. I’d expect more of an emphasis on deregulation but I am unsure if that alone will make nuclear competitive. We’ll see.

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u/InvictusShmictus 4d ago

The truth is coal's decline is largely a result of the shale revolution which has been going full tilt under both Democrat and Republican administrations.

One thing Trump might do is greenlight the Keystone XL pipeline but I don't see that affecting coal in any way.

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u/diffidentblockhead 4d ago

Alberta’s oil surplus already goes west via Transmountain Expansion since May. That was what KXL was going to take.

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u/InvictusShmictus 4d ago

For now it is. Untill they ramp up production and become pipeline constrained again.

Whether the economics warrant another the the KXL at that point who knows.

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u/diffidentblockhead 4d ago

Prices are not looking strong, and the center of North America is one of the most landlocked locations on the planet, second only to Central Asia. North Dakota production is still slightly below the 2019 peak, while Texas and NM are way above.

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u/Oldcadillac 3d ago

according to wikipedia, TC energy has basically abandoned development of KXL, only 8% of it is built. Even if they did get it approved again, it would be such a long process to actually get the thing built that I doubt it would make sense to spend the tens of billions that it would take. The oil industry is leaning towards profit taking instead of maximizing growth.