Climate change poses high credit risks for nuclear power plants: Moody's

melting globe

WASHINGTON -

 

Climate change can affect every aspect of nuclear plant operations like fuel handling, power and steam generation, maintenance, safety systems and waste processing, the credit rating agency said.

However, the ultimate credit impact will depend upon the ability of plant operators to invest in mitigating measures to manage these risks, it added.
Close proximity to large water bodies increase the risk of damage to plant equipment that helps ensure safe operation, the agency said in a note.

Moody’s noted that about 37 gigawatts (GW) of U.S. nuclear capacity is expected to have elevated exposure to flood risk and 48 GW elevated exposure to combined rising heat and water stress caused by climate change.

Parts of the Midwest and southern Florida face the highest levels of heat stress, while the Rocky Mountain region and California face the greatest reduction in the availability of future water supply, it said.

Nuclear plants seeking to extend their operations by 20, or even 40 years, beyond their existing 40-year licenses face this climate hazard and may require capital investment adjustments, Moody’s said.

“Some of these investments will help prepare for the increasing severity and frequency of extreme weather events.”

 

Related News

Tesla Electric is preparing to expand in the UK

LONDON - According to a new job posting, Tesla Electric, Tesla’s new electric utility division, is preparing to expand in the United Kingdom.

Late last year, after gaining experience through its virtual power plants (VPPs), Tesla took things a step further with the launch of “Tesla Electric.”

Instead of reacting to specific “events” and providing services to your local electric utilities, as Tesla Powerwall owners have done in VPPs in California, Tesla Electric is actively and automatically buying and selling electricity for Tesla Powerwall owners – providing a buffer against peak prices.

The company is essentially becoming an energy retailer.

Tesla Electric is currently…

READ MORE
uk wind power

Biggest offshore windfarm to start UK supply this week

READ MORE

Ukraine resumes electricity exports despite Russian attacks

READ MORE

norwegian energy

Are Norwegian energy firms ‘best in class’ for environmental management?

READ MORE

french nuclear

France's nuclear power stations to limit energy output due to high river temperatures

READ MORE