States take charge: North Carolina’s nuclear path
After the global energy crisis of the 1970s, dozens of states pursued nuclear energy as an alternative to natural gas, which relied heavily on an unstable Middle East. In the decade following the 1973 oil crisis, 39 nuclear plants, still operational today, were connected to the grid. North Carolina was one of the many states that embraced nuclear energy, green-lighting the McGuire 1 and 2 units and the Harris plant.
North Carolina was a natural match for nuclear energy. The state had a vested interest in expanding its energy portfolio, and the nuclear industry benefited from its strong academic infrastructure. In 1965, the Triangle Universities Nuclear Laboratory was founded through a collaboration among North Carolina State University, Duke University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. The laboratory spurred the development of nuclear energy in the state and continues to conduct groundbreaking research in nuclear physics.
McGuire 1 began commercial operation in 1981, followed by McGuire 2 in 1984 and Harris 1 in 1987. Today, 33% of North Carolina’s electricity comes from nuclear power, placing the state among the top five producers of nuclear-generated electricity in the nation.
Throughout the development and expansion of nuclear energy in North Carolina, the economic impact has been significant. The state’s nuclear plants provide thousands of permanent jobs, hundreds of temporary ones and generate an average annual economic output of $470 million. The industry supports well-paying, family-sustaining jobs while delivering considerable benefits for consumers.
Nuclear has moved beyond the days of Fukushima and Chernobyl.
Nuclear energy remains unique in modern policy: it enjoys broad bipartisan support as an alternative to environmentally controversial natural gas and unreliable wind and solar. After decades of innovation, nuclear has evolved from a perceived hazard into a potential cornerstone of America’s energy modernization. The age of fossil fuels is coming to an end. From environmental concerns to geopolitical risks, America must find its new energy lodestar — and nuclear is well positioned to be that.
Nuclear has moved beyond the days of Fukushima and Chernobyl into the era of small modular reactors (SMRs). SMRs are safer, quicker to deploy, more flexible, and less reliant on large upfront investments. Combined with advanced fission technology, they are scalable to meet rising energy demands, especially as artificial intelligence drives higher energy consumption.
Nuclear is not only efficient, safe and carbon-free but also cost-effective for consumers over the long term. With lifetime extensions — which 95% of U.S. nuclear plants have obtained — the minimum marginal cost for nuclear electricity is $32 per megawatt hour, making it one of America’s most consumer-friendly energy sources.
With the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill, nuclear energy is receiving a major boost at the federal level. In states like North Carolina, there is growing momentum. All three of the state’s nuclear power plants received renewals in the early 2000s, and the state legislature recently passed a bill aimed at spurring further nuclear growth. Despite widespread support, Gov. Josh Stein vetoed the legislation, citing a provision that would repeal the state’s 2030 carbon goal. However, given the strong bipartisan backing in both chambers, a veto override is likely.
This is the future of American energy modernization: state-led, innovation-driven and nuclear.
Drew DiMeglio is the vice-chair of the North Carolina Teenage Republicans and is a frequent opinion contributor to the Carolina Journal.
