Coal-fired power systems delivered 20% of energy generation in the U.S. in 2002 but did so at an environmental cost: These power stations were responsible for 55% of power sector carbon dioxide emissions during that year. Nuclear power can provide an equivalent power output while assuring zero carbon emissions. The feasibility of repowering coal plant sites with advanced nuclear power technologies, such as small modular reactors, was explored by University of Michigan researchers as a means of cleaning up this sector and simultaneously maintaining reliable electricity supplies.

Prospects for repurposing 245 operational coal power plants in the U.S. into advanced nuclear reactors were assessed with the Siting Tool for Advanced Nuclear Development (STAND), which addresses socioeconomic as well as technological factors. Population density, earthquake risk, landslide hazard, market regulations, energy prices and proximity to substations, operating nuclear power plants, nuclear R&D institutions, open waters and wetlands are some of the attributes analyzed.

For the smaller electric capacity group, the STAND feasibility score ranged from 51.52 to 84.31 out of 100 with a median of 66.53 for smaller nameplate plants. Larger electric capacity facilities ranged in feasibility scores from 47.29 to 76.92 with a median of 63.97.

The R. M. Schahfer coal plant in Indiana was identified as the most feasible smaller electric capacity site, generating 1,000 MWe or less, for conversion to nuclear power. The AES Petersburg plant in Indiana ranked highest among the larger electric capacity sites, having generation capacity greater than 1,000 MWe.

The research published in Energy Reports underscores the importance of regional characteristics, such as energy prices and nuclear policies, which significantly impact the feasibility of coal-to-nuclear transitions.