Nuclear Advisory Services

Preserving and Expanding Clean Baseload Power Resources

Nuclear power is the bedrock foundation for grid security, carbon reduction, and economic benefits derived through wholesale market design. The existing nuclear fleet serves as a stabilizing force to balance the rapid growth of intermittent renewable resources. Industry evolutionary dynamics bode positively for continued technological progress through the standardization of new GEN III+ light water reactors, GEN IV technology, and small modular reactors. Nascent technologies surrounding the commercialization of micro modular reactors glow bright on the horizon. Continued favorable tax credits coupled with expected NRC license extensions improve the financeability and development potential of new nuclear technology this decade and next.

LAI has been actively involved in the preservation and deployment of existing nuclear technologies. Major work engagements undertaken for the U.S. DOE to support the federal government’s Civil Nuclear Credit Program has served to revitalize the availability of nuclear power in the U.S. LAI has been the architect of Zero Emission Certificate programs. LAI has provided both leadership and the diverse analytical support needed to calibrate the magnitude of the financial and operating risk nuclear units face in both competitive and regulated markets. Over the years, LAI has coordinated with PJM, ISO-NE, and NYISO on nuclear performance and availability assumptions affecting our production simulation model results supporting procurement decisions in those markets. Various New England states’ respective zero carbon energy procurements have placed LAI at the forefront of technical evaluation, ranking and selection. In addition to supporting states’ Zero Emission certificate programs, LAI has the technical know-how to support both states and electric distribution companies’ power purchase agreement efforts to sustain continued nuclear performance.

LAI's nuclear advisory services include:

• Formulate strategic plans regarding the retention and development of nuclear generation, meet grid reliability, environmental and economic goals
• Simulate nuclear generation performance interaction effects with variable energy resources, new transmission options, and the thermal fleet
• Identify pathways to carbon reduction goals in 2040 and 2050 that achieve sensible tradeoffs among inherently conflictive goals
• Mobilize leading engineering sub-contractors with specialized knowledge in nuclear design, work force mobilization, supply chain logistics, siting, waste management, and environmental justice
• Support active consultation with diverse stakeholders to facilitate the identification of best ways forward