A Second Look at Nuclear Energy
Written by Samantha Cart
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For a state like West Virginia, where energy production is part of our history and identity, nuclear energy represents another way to generate dependable electricity at scale.” These words by West Virginia Senator Tom Takubo, D. O., highlight exactly why Mountain State leaders continue to explore the potential of nuclear energy after years of discussion.
“ West Virginia already produces more energy than it consumes, which gives the state a strategic advantage,” he says.“ West Virginia is uniquely positioned to serve as a battery for the rest of the country.”
Nuclear energy is produced through nuclear fission, a process where atoms— most often uranium— split inside a reactor, releasing heat. That heat is used to boil water, creating steam that spins turbines connected to generators, which then produce electricity.
“ The actual electricity-making process is similar to coal or natural gas plants. The difference is the heat source,” Takubo says.“ Instead of burning fuel, nuclear plants generate heat from a controlled atomic reaction. Since nothing is being combusted, nuclear energy does not produce carbon dioxide during operation and provides reliable, around-the-clock power.”
Because nuclear energy provides steady, large-scale power with low carbon emissions, the industry is experiencing significant resurgence. This growth is driven by the demand for environmentally friendly power, supportive federal policies and technological investment. According to the U. S. Department of Energy, the U. S. aims to quadruple its nuclear capacity to 400 gigawatts by 2050 by expanding existing plants, restarting retired reactors and building new ones.
According to the U. S. Energy Information Administration, there were 54 commercially operating nuclear power plants across 28 states as of early 2026. These plants contain 94 nuclear reactors generating 20 % of the nation’ s electricity. Illinois currently leads the charge with 11 reactors, and states that dismissed nuclear energy production in decades past are now reconsidering.
“ The energy demands of today’ s economy look very different than they did 20 or 30 years ago,” Takubo says.“ Electricity consumption is rising due to the reshoring of manufacturing, electrification of vehicles and especially the growth of data centers and artificial intelligence infrastructure. These facilities require enormous amounts of continuous, reliable power.”
On top of sheer energy demand, states are also balancing reliability, affordability, safety and environmental considerations.
“ Policymakers are once again evaluating nuclear because it provides stable, low-emission, 24 / 7 power,” Takubo says.“ In many energy strategies, nuclear complements renewables by ensuring grid reliability.”
Nuclear power generation was banned by law in the Mountain State in 1996. However, Senate Bill 4, sponsored by Takubo and passed in 2022, removed that prohibition.
“ The repeal expanded generation opportunities and positioned West Virginia to consider nuclear as part of its long-term energy strategy, including pursuing Nuclear Agreement State status with the U. S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission( NRC),” says Nicholas Preservati, deputy secretary for West Virginia Department of Commerce and director of West Virginia Office of Energy.
According to Takubo, the intent of the repeal was not to mandate nuclear development but to ensure West Virginia does not take any potential energy solutions off the table.
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WEST VIRGINIA EXECUTIVE