Ms Korsnick told CERAWeek that the US has not viewed the nuclear energy industry strategically, although it pioneered the use of nuclear power plants.
Today, nearly two-thirds of reactors under construction use Chinese or Russian designs, she said, adding that these countries “understand the leverage that comes from supplying energy”.
Ms Korsnick highlighted the need to ensure that nuclear energy’s benefits are recognised and compensated in electricity markets.
“If nuclear energy’s attributes are important –and I’m convinced that they are – the market needs to reflect that,” she said.
Ms Korsnick has praised New York state’s Clean Energy Standard, which promotes renewable use along with the preservation of nuclear energy.
She backed New York governor Andrew Cuomo’s claim that the closure of nuclear energy facilities “would eviscerate the emission reductions achieved through the state’s renewable energy programmes, diminish fuel diversity, increase price volatility, and financially harm host communities”.
Nuclear provides the majority of New York’s non-emitting generation, Ms Korsnick said.
