Darrick Moe
Osseo
(Moe is the president and chief executive officer of the Minnesota Rural Electric Association.)
For decades, nuclear energy has powered Minnesota’s homes and businesses with reliable, carbon-free electricity. Yet nuclear remains one of the most misunderstood energy sources.
Nuclear energy generates electricity by splitting atoms to produce heat; resultant steam drives turbines. In Minnesota, nuclear is the largest source of carbon-free electricity. The Monticello and Prairie Island plants have run safely for decades.
Wind and solar energy depends on weather. Nuclear provides always-on power when it’s needed most. That’s critical where winters and summers place heavy demands on the grid.
Nuclear reliability stabilizes costs, powering industries like farming, food processing and manufacturing.
What about safety? U.S. nuclear plants are among the most heavily regulated energy facilities in the world. With built-in safety systems, nuclear has one of the strongest safety records in the industry.
Waste is a common concern. Yet all used fuel from U.S. reactors since the 1950s would fit on a single football field, stacked less than 10 yards high. That spent fuel is securely stored and monitored and has caused zero harm to the public.
State law currently prohibits utilities from even exploring new nuclear projects. Lifting that moratorium would allow for thoughtful discussions, research and planning.
At the Minnesota Rural Electric Association, we support innovation in wind, solar, battery storage and nuclear energies.
With nuclear on the table, Minnesota can lead the way in building an energy system that serves our communities today and creates a brighter tomorrow.
