A new report from UK-based marine atomic developer CORE POWER shows that the US now has the ideal opportunity to demonstrate to the world the clear benefits of advanced nuclear technologies to decarbonize maritime transportation in its own domestic market.
Airborne emissions from US domestic shipping stand at over 60 million tonnes of CO2 per year from the burning of Heavy Fuel Oil as well as Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) and Marine Gas Oil (MGO). The new report, entitled Putting the Blue back in Red, White and Blue – Decarbonisation of the US maritime industry with advanced nuclear, was released this week by the CORE POWER, which provides marine engineering and co-funds developments of advanced nuclear energy technologies for maritime use. In general, the environmental benefits of nuclear power are undisputable, however it is not widespread for various reasons.
To remind, last GREEN4SEA Forum explored nuclear power as an alternative source of power, discussing the key benefits and challenges for shipping. In November 2021, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) awarded $8.5 million to help commercialize advanced nuclear technologies.
Tony Huston, US Country Head at CORE POWER says:
The transport of goods on the US coasts, Great Lakes and internal waterways offers strong proof of concept for nuclear powered decarbonisation without the complex regulatory hurdles of moving reactors between nation-states.
Advanced nuclear ships would be true zero-emission vessels and be immune to carbon pricing as it is introduced to fossil fuels. Large ships that consume close to 500,000 tons of fuel over a lifetime, emit more than 1.5 million tons of CO2 whilst in service. With a carbon levy of $200 per ton, these ships would see an increased OPEX of $300 million over a lifecycle. Advanced nuclear-powered ships would save this cost, making them highly competitive.
Huston believes that the deployment of commercial nuclear vessels would offer an entirely new career path for these seafarers once they leave the Navy; STEM qualified students from the US college system seeking well paid careers in an exciting industry could also be recruited to supplement the skills of the highly trained ex-US Navy personnel.
By embracing the possibilities of advanced nuclear shipping, the US now can reinvigorate its shipbuilding and maritime sector putting itself at the forefront of one of the world’s most important industries,
…Huston concludes.
