Smart Energy Solutions In the News

With energy costs soaring, nuclear power is looking a lot brighter than it did just a few years ago.

Constellation Energy is actively pursuing a new reactor for Calvert Cliffs.

Alex DeMetrick reports that some want to pull the plug on that idea.

There are already two nuclear reactors at the Calvert Cliffs site but Constellation thinks the need exists for one more.  They've begun the paperwork to build a third reactor.

"The question is what are we going to do to meet the increasing need for power? Nuclear has to be on the table," said Rob Gould, Constellation Energy's spokesman.

Some groups are opposed to the idea, including MaryPIRG, Maryland's Public Interest Research Group. They argue that a new reactor is too expensive an option to keep on the table.

They also wonder if other options have been explored besides the nuclear one.

"This report clearly finds that clean energy is going to be cheaper and more reliable than a new nuclear power plant in the state," said Johanna Neumann with MaryPIRG.

Currently, alternatives like wind power provide only a fraction of the power going into the grid, even as demand continues to grow.

Another alternative to a nuclear power plant is a coal burning plant, which produces greenhouse gases. 

The permit process for a new nuclear power plant moves into the hearing stage next month. The Public Service Commission will voter on the permit at the end of the year. If approved, it would be the first new nuclear power plant in 30 years.