Early nuclear retirements in deregulated U.S. markets: Causes, implications and policy options

Geoffrey Haratyk

Energy Policy, 2017, vol. 110, issue C, 150-166

Abstract: Electricity prices have fallen significantly since 2008, putting commercial nuclear reactors in the United States under substantial financial pressure. In this market environment driven by persistently low natural gas prices and stagnant electricity demand, we estimate that about two thirds of the 102GW nuclear capacity are uncompetitive over the next few years under the current trajectory. Among those, 18GW are retiring or are merchant plants at high risk of retiring prematurely.

Keywords: Nuclear; Deregulated market; Retirement; Mothballing; Zero-emission credit; Carbon (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2017
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (11)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:enepol:v:110:y:2017:i:c:p:150-166

DOI: 10.1016/j.enpol.2017.08.023

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