In an era of “net-zero” carbon commitments, the electricity industry is working to identify zero-carbon replacements for coal. However, the retirement of coal-fired generation plants can have significant economic implications for surrounding communities.

Nuclear power has been the workhorse of zero-carbon electricity for decades. Investment in new nuclear power plants and alternatives such as small modular reactors (SMRs) may be the answer to provide zero-carbon electricity, while maintaining the local economy.

Additional Authors: Will Downer and Chris Vlahoplus