The Rise of Natural Gas and Nuclear Power in Pennsylvania: Impacts, Challenges, and the Path Forward.
Over the past 20 years, natural gas-fired power plants in Pennsylvania have grown rapidly, accounting for 52% of the state’s electricity production in 2021, up from 2% in 2001.
This growth was fueled by a surge in natural gas production from the Marcellus shale, which made natural gas abundant and cheap.
As a result, utilities and power plant operators began replacing aging coal-fired plants with modern, efficient, and less costly natural gas-fired combined-cycle plants. Pennsylvania also has a significant share of nuclear power generation, with 8 reactors at 4 plants, making it the second-highest generator of nuclear power in the US after Illinois.
However, in 2019, the closure of the last reactor at Three Mile Island led to a shift in Pennsylvania’s largest source of in-state electricity generation from nuclear to natural gas. Most electric utilities and power plants in Pennsylvania participate in the PJM wholesale electricity market, which coordinates electricity supply for 13 eastern states and the DC, and contributes to the growth of natural gas-fired capacity in the state through capacity market auctions.
The shift from coal to natural gas and nuclear power in Pennsylvania has had positive impacts on the environment. Natural gas-fired power plants emit fewer pollutants than coal-fired plants and modern combined-cycle plants are even more efficient, reducing emissions even further.
Additionally, the decline in coal production has led to a decrease in coal mining, which can have negative impacts on the environment and local communities. On the other hand, natural gas production and extraction can still have environmental consequences, such as air and water pollution, soil contamination, and the release of methane, a potent greenhouse gas.
Pennsylvania has taken steps to regulate and monitor natural gas extraction, including implementing regulations on hydraulic fracturing (fracking) and requiring disclosure of the chemicals used in fracking operations.
The trend towards natural gas and nuclear power in Pennsylvania represents a shift towards cleaner and more efficient energy sources while balancing the need for reliable energy with environmental protection.
However, the increased reliance on natural gas and nuclear power also presents challenges. Natural gas prices are subject to fluctuations and can be impacted by global events, which can affect energy prices for consumers. Additionally, as natural gas and nuclear power plants age, there will be a need for replacement and investment in new infrastructure. This will require significant financial resources and planning to ensure that energy needs are met while maintaining a reliable and sustainable energy supply.
Another challenge is the need to address the issue of nuclear waste disposal. Nuclear power plants generate radioactive waste, which requires safe and secure storage and disposal to prevent harm to human health and the environment. Currently, there is no permanent repository for high-level radioactive waste in the United States, and the future of nuclear waste management remains uncertain. This will require continued efforts and investment to find a long-term solution that protects public health and the environment.
In conclusion, the shift towards natural gas and nuclear power in Pennsylvania has had both positive and negative impacts and will continue to present challenges in the future. Pennsylvania will need to balance the need for a reliable energy supply with the need to protect public health and the environment, and to address the challenges of nuclear waste disposal and the volatility of natural gas prices.