all research & reports

In-Depth Research & Reports

Sep 14, 2020

Innovation in Nuclear Energy Technologies: Implications for US National Defense

By Dr. Robert F. Ichord, Jr. and Dr. Jennifer T. Gordon

The US Department of Defense (DOD) has the potential to play a significant role bringing advanced reactor technology to demonstration and, ultimately, commercialization. Possible US military applications of advanced reactors—especially micro nuclear reactors (MNRs)—include deployment to remote bases that are challenging to supply with fuel; power systems for directed-energy weapons; and nuclear energy systems for space flight and off-world bases. This issue brief explores the challenges and opportunities inherent in DOD’s procurement of MNRs.

Defense Technologies Energy & Environment

EnergySource

Aug 31, 2020

Nuclear cooperation can bolster US-Slovenia ties

By Olga Khakova

Nuclear energy will be essential to meeting Slovenia’s climate neutrality goals and strengthening the country’s energy self-sufficiency. Increased US-Slovenia cooperation on nuclear development will bolster transatlantic ties and ensure safe and transparent nuclear plant operations.

Energy Transitions Europe & Eurasia

EnergySource

Jul 24, 2020

Searching for the missing link: Options for firm zero-carbon power

By Stephen S. Greene

“Firm” zero-carbon generation resources, which are not necessarily intended to run all the time, but can be available at any time, will be needed to complement renewable resources in the future, without emitting the CO2 produced by today’s fossil energy system. These resources might include, for example, fossil-fuel power plants with carbon capture, nuclear power plants with improved dispatchability, geothermal power, and bio-fueled generators. But the path to developing, and certainly deploying, such resources has been slower and more fraught than for renewables; these “firm” electricity generation resources represent a missing link in the path towards a decarbonized electricity grid.

Energy & Environment Nuclear Energy

EnergySource

Jun 17, 2020

Innovation can break the gridlock on nuclear waste

By Michelle Brechtelsbauer

Innovation has always been a key tenet of the nuclear power industry. With scientific consensus building that nuclear power must play a significant role in mitigating climate change, there has been renewed focus on fuel design and fuel cycle research to support the next generation of nuclear technology. This attention also creates an opportunity to reinvigorate innovation on back-end technologies that may prove to be the key to circumventing the longtime political impasse on nuclear waste.

Energy & Environment Nuclear Energy

EnergySource

Jun 3, 2020

US nuclear energy leadership: The way forward

By Amb. Thomas Graham Jr.

The recently released report, Restoring America’s Competitive Nuclear Energy Advantage, commissioned by the US Department of Energy’s (DOE) Nuclear Fuel Working Group, is an important step forward for US national security, the battle against climate change, and the health of the US economy. After decades of misguided policy, this report puts the United States back on track in leading a worldwide nuclear energy system that is effective, reliable, and carbon free.

Energy & Environment Nuclear Energy

Report

May 26, 2020

European energy security and the critical role of transatlantic energy cooperation

By Richard L. Morningstar, András Simonyi, Olga Khakova, Jennifer T. Gordon

Transatlantic cooperation is essential to European energy security, which is and should remain a key national security priority for the United States. European energy security is crucial for the maintenance of a strong European economy and for European political stability, both of which are in the best interests of the United States. This report recommends that the United States and the EU focus their energy cooperation in several areas that will benefit the EU’s efforts to meet climate targets and that, at the same time, will also bolster energy security.

Energy & Environment Europe & Eurasia

EnergySource

Feb 26, 2020

The trade war we want China to win: China’s nuclear exports can challenge Russian dominance

By David Yellen

Russia and China are competing for nuclear industry market share, not working together to dominate, and China’s rise gives Russia a real competitor in nuclear energy—that is good for the United States.

China Geopolitics & Energy Security
Nuclear cooling towers

EnergySource

Jan 30, 2020

Energy and the threat

By Amb. Thomas Graham, Jr.

Nuclear energy is our greatest asset in the fight against climate change. In my view, success in the struggle against climate change likely is simply not possible without a robust and immediate commitment to nuclear power.

Climate Change & Climate Action Energy Transitions

Issue Brief

Jan 9, 2020

International co-financing of nuclear reactors between the United States and its allies

By Jennifer T. Gordon

As Russia and China seek out third-party countries with demand for nuclear energy, can the United States and its allies determine how to cooperate on co-financing agreements and become greater than the sum of their parts?

Geopolitics & Energy Security Nuclear Energy
US Capitol building

EnergySource

Nov 14, 2019

Reauthorization of the Export-Import Bank is a national security imperative

By Amb. Thomas Graham, Jr. and Admiral Richard W. Mies

The US House of Representatives is voting this week on a long-term reauthorization of the US Export-Import Bank. While a fully functional Ex-Im Bank is important for the competitiveness of many US exporters, it is essential for certain industries of strategic importance, including nuclear energy and space, and US security interests associated with these exports are also linked to the ability of Ex-Im Bank to support them.

Economy & Business Nuclear Energy
Load More

The Global Energy Center promotes energy security by working alongside government, industry, civil society, and public stakeholders to devise pragmatic solutions to the geopolitical, sustainability, and economic challenges of the changing global energy landscape.

learn more