Clean energy technologies are likely to be cheaper, safer and more reliable than a proposed nuclear reactor at Calvert Cliffs, according to a Maryland PIRG report released on July 17.
The report, “Powering Maryland’s Future: How Clean Energy Outperforms Nuclear Power in Delivering Reliable, Safe and Affordable Electricity,” compares a nuclear strategy with a clean energy strategy on the basis of reliability, cost, safety, environmental impact and support for Maryland’s growing economy.
“Our state’s leaders must not allow big power companies like Constellation Energy to dictate our energy future. We need to get all the options on the table and then choose the best deal for the people of the state,” said Johanna Neumann, state director of Maryland PIRG.
Rising Energy Demand
Maryland could see blackouts as early as 2011 if we don’t address rising energy demand. However, the proposed reactor would not come online until 2015—too late to meet the state’s short-term reliability challenges.
By contrast, energy efficiency techniques and technologies can be implemented rapidly. By prioritizing the EmPOWER Maryland energy efficiency goals passed by the General Assembly this spring, the state would save 1.4 times more power than would be generated by a new reactor at Calvert Cliffs.
Nuclear power is also quite costly compared to clean energy. Recent estimates have placed the lifetime average cost of nuclear power in the range of 12 to 15 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh).
In comparison, commercial energy efficiency measures are available at an average cost of 2 cents per kWh. Recently signed contracts for wind power in the mid-Atlantic have come in just above 8 cents per kWh.
Maryland PIRG is working to advance a reliable, safe and affordable energy future for our state. We have intervened in the proceeding before the Maryland Public Service Commission to challenge Constellation Energy’s application for a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity from the Maryland Public Service Commission (PSC).
But expert witnesses alone won’t save the day. People power is crucial. That’s why Maryland PIRG and our allies in the Chesapeake Safe Energy Coalition organized a public meeting on Aug. 12 in Baltimore to give members of the public an opportunity to submit comments in to the PSC record.
The Commission will decide whether to approve Constellation Energy’s application by the end of this year.
