Energy Markets and Nuclear Power, from Carder Dimitroff
Here are some personal observations from years working in the nuclear power industry that might be helpful for those interested in energy markets.
1. Since most plants need to produce power 100 percent power all the time, most managers see the power markets as inconsequential.
2. Unlike the gas turbine business, it seems nuke managers are unsure about production costs. Yesterday, I saw a slide where a senior person merged capital costs with operating costs to claim higher production costs. It seems self-defeating.
3. It seems DOE has been captured by industry groups. In particular, NE seems to be captured by NEI. Most of their data seems to come from NEI.
4. It seems DOE's NE thinks their primary role is to be the repository of other peoples' thinking. It appears they are not taking any leadership responsibilities.
After discussing this with some colleagues, we think we know some of the [financially] troubled nukes:
5. As Prof. Richter pointed out, there is no national effort to save the nation's nukes. Most industry activity has been redeployed at the state level. It seems desperate.
6. Industry leaders are mostly old white men who are drawing big salaries. The industry is managed like a country club, not a business. Their dues are too high and too few people are willing to pay the price.