Illinois and the Chicagoland region are at a crucial point for energy policy. As society pushes to combat climate change and decarbonize the economy, leading to planned closures of fossil fuel plants, energy needs are increasing.
The growth of technologies like artificial intelligence and quantum computing, along with industries such as manufacturing, data centers, and electric vehicles, requires more power. This situation could lead to a resurgence in nuclear power usage, which has provided Illinois with significant carbon-free, reliable power for decades.
During a panel discussion on Wednesday, experts explored developments in nuclear power driven by growing energy needs due to society's reliance on data and new technologies. The discussion covered topics from recommissioning decommissioned nuclear plants to building new ones and developing small modular reactors. Federal support for nuclear development was also highlighted.
The event was hosted by the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce and featured three notable leaders from Illinois' energy sector: an Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer from Constellation; an Executive Director from the Illinois Commerce Commission; and a Director of Global Design from Equinix.
“Our energy needs are increasing in ways thought unimaginable just several years ago,” said Lavin as he began the conversation. “This will require more power, perhaps like never before. That’s why power, energy, and economic development have begun to be inextricably linked, and the states that get that right today will be the beneficiaries through jobs and investment tomorrow.”
The head of the State’s chief energy regulatory agency provided an overview of Illinois’ energy landscape and detailed the state’s transition from regulated monopolies to competitive markets. He emphasized that meeting demand has combined with a need for higher power loads, necessitating discussions about energy.
“Removing excess demand, making sure that we’re meeting load demand centers. The resurgence in manufacturing. Both of those have significant increases in demand, so we have to try to find ways to match increases in loads and match that demand — and that’s where we find ourselves today,” he said. “And this conversation is a perfect one, especially for the business community.” His remarks helped establish a historical backdrop for this conversation and gave the audience perspective into how the ICC approaches its role in the industry.
Barrón noted that market demand has led to increased interest in nuclear energy but warned that an overly restrictive regulatory environment can stifle progress.
“We are seeing a market signal for new generation that we have not seen in the last several years, which I think is important to match up with our economic development,” Barron said. “And we have some strides here in Illinois – such as lifting the moratorium on nuclear energy — but there are other states actively pursuing it, so I have to ask how can we reduce these regulatory barriers.”
She also mentioned Microsoft's desire to recommission the Three Mile Island plant for AI technology purposes and stated Constellation plans to have it operational by 2028 or sooner.
While discussions around nuclear energy have evolved rapidly recently, Barrón noted that collaboration with state agencies and federal regulators is necessary due to long project timelines.
Metcalf emphasized increasing energy demands from data centers and AI technology users: "If the United States is to remain the leader in the AI revolution, we’re going to need all of that energy at low cost," he said. "We’ve met our demand with renewable energy but going forward renewables are not going to be enough."
The talk concluded with urgency about addressing energy needs for economic competitiveness in emerging technologies. Lavin summarized: “We want to be the lead on AI and quantum and data. We need to have the energy. The states that get it right will create jobs and opportunity.”
###