While 51% of Americans claim to prefer nuclear energy to produce electricity, 43% claim to be opposed to its use. Despite this narrow margin, nuclear power plants currently supply over 11% of of the world’s electricity.
If you’re currently researching publicly traded nuclear companies to purchase a portfolio of nuclear energy stocks, then you are most likely aware of the cost benefits. You are also probably aware of the increased efficiency of nuclear energy when compared with other types of electricity-producing substances.
When it comes to increasing energy production, natural uranium far exceeds coal, which is one type of traditional fossil fuel. One kilogram of uranium, for example, will actually produce 20,000 times more energy than one kilogram of coal.
Furthermore, nuclear fuel has the capacity to generate millions-of-times-more power to fulfill our global need. One kilogram of coal, for example, contains enough power to keep a 60 watt light bulb burning for four days. Nuclear energy, on the other hand, could power that bulb for approximately 685 years.
Another reason to consider making a nuclear investment is due to the ongoing development of advanced nuclear technologies. In December 2014, for example, the U.S. Department of Energy’s Loan Programs Office provided guarantees for $12.6 billion in loans for just this purpose. Just three of these advanced technologies are small modular reactors, molten salt reactors, and breeder reactors.
Currently, 30 countries have over 436 commercial nuclear reactors in operation. There are an additional 67 reactors being constructed, which doesn’t include the 100 under construction in China. The United States alone has 99 commercial nuclear reactors in operation at 61 different nuclear power plants.
Other significant reasons to consider making a nuclear investment are related to the financial contributions to and from the local economy. The Indian Point Reactors in New York, for example, contribute $30 million towards local and state property taxes. Furthermore, the plant’s annual payroll is approximately $140 million employees.
Furthermore, on an annual basis, it is estimated that New York’s Entergy’s Indian Point 2 and 3 reactors contribute $1.6 billion to the state’s economy with $1.3 billion being dispersed locally. The economic contributions to the U.S. are estimated at $2.5 billion.
Given the economic effects of energy companies on a local as well as a national level, making an investment in nuclear energy stock companies is something to consider. Furthermore, by investing in energy, it makes it possible to engage in additional research and development.