Nuclear power should be in Florida's portfolio

Nuclear power needs to be a larger part of Florida's energy-supply portfolio, despite the attractive cost of natural gas.

Right now, it is the cost of construction and maintenance of nuclear power plants that is putting off power companies. They look at natural gas prices, which have fallen steeply since 2008, and see the way of the future. Natural gas can be burned to create electricity. 

Electric companies see improvements in natural gas extraction — particularly through hydraulic fracturing, or "fracking" — and must be asking themselves, "Why bother with nuclear?" 

It's a question that is heard in Florida, particularly because of the problems at the Crystal River nuclear power plant. Duke Energy owns the plant, having purchased Progress Energy Florida. Company officials are discussing with state regulators the likelihood that it will cost as much as $3.5 billion to repair the plant, which was closed for repairs in 2009. 

The plant was closed because of cracks in a concrete containment structure. According to the Tampa Bay Times, workers were trying to replace steam generators in 2009 when the 42-inch-thick concrete containment structure cracked. More cracking followed. 

Duke Energy needs approval before it can reopen the plant. Not only will it cost up to $3.5 billion, but $300 million for up to seven years — all for energy replacement costs as the structure sits idle. 

It's just another cost argument — forget for a moment about regulatory hurdles — against building more nuclear power plants. 

But consider this: The Times notes that without Crystal River, Duke Energy will get 76 percent of its electricity supply from generation plants using natural gas. That puts both the power supplier and its Florida customers more at the mercy of the natural gas market. 

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