Stanislaus Nuclear Power Plant
| Industry | Nuclear power |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1950s |
Area served | United States |
History
During the late 1960s and early 1970s, the United States experienced swift expansion in its nuclear power sector. However, by 1976, numerous proposed nuclear plants became impractical due to a combination of slower-than-expected electricity demand growth, substantial delays and cost overruns, as well as increasingly rigorous regulatory standards. Additionally, public resistance played a role in prolonging licensing processes and elevating expenses.
In 1969, the experimental molten salt reactor developed at Oak Ridge National Laboratory under Alvin Weinberg was discontinued after successfully demonstrating that molten salt mixed with nuclear fuel could operate safely without cooling loss accidents. Had development continued, this technology might have resulted in reactors that were both safer and more economical.
Nuclear power expansion stalled by the late 1970s, particularly following the Three Mile Island incident in 1979. This event led to the cancellation of over 120 reactor orders and halted new construction projects. According to Al Gore, out of 253 reactors ordered between 1953 and 2008, nearly half were cancelled, 11% shut down prematurely, and only about one-quarter remain in reliable operation.
A 1985 cover story in Forbes magazine described the U.S. nuclear program as "the largest managerial disaster in business history," highlighting its negative effects on consumers, industry competitiveness, utilities, and private sector involvement.
In the early 2000s, concerns over aging facilities, growing electricity demand, and environmental issues triggered what was termed a "nuclear renaissance." Engineering companies identified commissioning procedures as a significant obstacle. In response, the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission revamped its processes under the Energy Policy Act of 2005, which introduced tax incentives and loan guarantees to encourage development. By 2009, plans for up to 30 new reactors were announced.
As of , only two reactors remain under construction at the Vogtle site; these projects are experiencing considerable schedule delays and budget increases. Most other planned constructions or upgrades have been abandoned.
Cancelled nuclear reactors
... [Table continues with similar consolidated entries where appropriate] ...| Name | Unit | Type | Model* | Status | Location | Net capacity MW |
Gross capacity MW |
Contract year |
Construction start |
Project close | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama Power Co | 1 | BWR | GE | Plan cancelled | Selma, Alabama | - | - | - | |||
| Alabama Power Co | 2 | BWR | GE | Plan cancelled | Selma, Alabama | - | - | - | |||
| Allens Creek Nuclear Power Plant | 1 | BWR | GE | Plan cancelled | Wallis, Texas | 1,160 | 1,207 | 1973 | - | 1982-09-01 | |
| Allens Creek Nuclear Power Plant | 2 | BWR | GE | Plan cancelled | Wallis, Texas | 1,160 | 1,207 | 1973 | - | 1976-09-01 | |
| Atlantic Nuclear Power Plant (offshore) | Units 1–4 | PWR | Plan cancelled | Atlantic City, New Jersey | 1,150 each | 1,211 each | 1972–1973 | - | 1978-12-01 (all) | ||
| Bailly Nuclear Power Plant (converted to coal) | 1 | BWR | GE | Construction partially cancelled | Westchester Township, Indiana | 686 | 1967 | 1974-01-01 | 1981-08-01 |
- Model abbreviations: "B&W" = Babcock & Wilcox; "CE" = Combustion Engineering; "GA" = General Atomics; "GE" = General Electric; "GEH" = GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy; "MHI" = Mitsubishi Heavy Industries; "WH" = Westinghouse Electric Company.