2 weeks Ago
South Carolina stands at a critical juncture in strengthening its energy infrastructure — a path that promises job creation, economic growth and a more secure energy future. As our state continues to grow, so does our need for more energy. To meet this demand, we must prioritize energy solutions that are not only clean and reliable but also cost-effective in the long term.
During my time in the S.C. House, I was proud to sponsor and pass legislation (H.
4831) directing the state Commerce Department to assess the economic potential of the offshore wind supply chain. This initiative demonstrates a commitment to exploring new, creative opportunities that can drive our economy forward while ensuring affordable, reliable power for South Carolinians. However, nuclear energy must play a central role if we are to truly future-proof South Carolina’s energy landscape.
Nuclear energy is uniquely positioned to provide South Carolina with a consistent, cost-effective power supply. While the initial investment in nuclear facilities is substantial, the long-term benefits are undeniable: Nuclear plants offer decades of stable, low-cost energy production without the volatility of fossil fuel prices. Additionally, nuclear energy is one of the cleanest and most reliable power sources, producing almost zero emissions during operation.
This makes it essential not only for meeting energy demands but also for addressing environmental concerns. With public utility company Santee Cooper seeking private investors to revive the V.C.
Summer construction project, there is a renewed opportunity to leverage private-sector capital while protecting ratepayers from undue risk. S.51, sponsored by more than 80% of state senators, further encourages Santee Cooper to explore proposals for advancing this critical project.
Recent comments from U.S. Sen.
Lindsey Graham on reviving the V.C. Summer nuclear project — abandoned in 2017 — highlight the immense potential of nuclear power.
Despite its challenges and money lost in prior attempts to expand it, the V.C. Summer project represents an opportunity to meet increasing energy demand while creating jobs and boosting our economy.
Sen. Graham’s additional advocacy for small modular reactors underscores the future of nuclear innovation. These advanced reactors offer the potential for safer, more flexible and scalable nuclear power, making them a potentially viable solution to meet South Carolina’s growing energy demand.
Our energy needs are driven by population growth, business expansion and emerging demands from sectors such as manufacturing, cloud computing and artificial intelligence. The increasing reliance on data centers and AI-powered technologies only amplifies the importance of reliable, low-cost energy. The recent partnership between Microsoft and the Three Mile Island facility demonstrates how nuclear sites can play a pivotal role in powering next-generation industries.
While we must continue to invest in an “all of the above” energy strategy that includes natural gas, wind and solar, nuclear energy remains the cornerstone of a sustainable, affordable energy future for South Carolina. Once built, nuclear power is clean, reliable and cost-effective, and it is an unparalleled resource that can help secure our state’s energy independence and economic vitality. I applaud House Speaker Murrell Smith, Senate Republican Leader Shane Massey and Sen.
Tom Davis for their work to advance conversations about South Carolina’s energy capacity and the importance of transmission and generation infrastructure. Their efforts, along with those of Sen. Graham at the federal level, are helping to chart a path toward a more robust and sustainable energy landscape.
During this legislative session, I look forward to working with my colleagues to enact commonsense policies that support nuclear energy and other clean power initiatives. Together, we can grow our energy capabilities, attract investment, create jobs and ensure a brighter economic future for South Carolina. Sen.
Jason Elliott is a Greenville attorney..
