EMP Might Not Ignore Law of Supply and Demand

The state's Energy Master Plan (EMP) is a few years overdue, but today's Star-Ledger reports that one of the changes CIANJ has long supported will sorta be included - increasing the Garden State's nuclear capacity.

Part of the EMP has been known for more than a year, such as requiring that by 2020 at least 20% of the state's energy is provided via renewable resources. The trouble with that goal is that it is just that -a goal. Demanding an increase from our current level of 2% to 20% in 12 years does not mean such a leap will be technologically or economically feasible. In the interim, steps such as conservation offer the ability to reduce demand through behavioral changes.

On the issue of nuclear energy, regular blog readers know our position: nuclear energy is still the only technologically available method to generate sufficient electricity while producing virtually zero greenhouse gas emissions. Therefore, we fully support the relicensing of our current plants and increasing capacity.

The EMP, which may be released in April, must acknowledge the reality of supply and demand,

While not explicitly calling for a new nuclear power plant, the plan concludes "the greenhouse gas mandates point toward nuclear energy to produce carbon-free electricity at a lower price per megawatt-hour than fossil-fueled plants."

Public Service Enterprise Group, the state's largest power producer, is considering building a nuclear unit in Salem County, where it already has three nuclear stations.

"We are ready to play a key role in promoting conservation and efficiency and expanding renewable sources of energy," Ed Selover, general counsel for PSEG, said in a statement. "We are also actively evaluating the feasibility of a new nuclear plant in South Jersey."

On a per capita basis, New Jersey is already among producers of carbon emissions, and a primary reason is our higher reliance on nuclear power than other states.