(Editor’s Note: The following article was submitted to the Patriot on behalf of Darrick Moe, President and CEO, Minnesota Rural Electric Association.)

When people think about nuclear power, they often picture Homer Simpson dozing off in a control room or Montgomery Burns scheming to cut corners for profit. Pop culture has shaped that image — but it couldn’t be further from modern reality.

For decades, nuclear energy has quietly powered Minnesota’s homes and businesses with reliable, carbon-free electricity. Yet despite this proven track record, nuclear remains one of the most misunderstood energy sources. As Minnesota works to meet growing energy demands and bold carbon-free goals, it’s time to take a closer look at the facts.

Clean and Reliable — No Matter the Weather

Nuclear energy generates electricity by splitting atoms to produce heat, which turns water into steam to drive turbines — all without releasing carbon emissions. In Minnesota, nuclear is the state’s largest single source of reliable carbon-free electricity, with the Monticello and Prairie Island plants running safely and steadily for decades.

While wind and solar are vital to our clean energy goals, their output depends on the weather. Nuclear fills the gap, providing dependable, always-on power when it’s needed most. That’s critical in Minnesota, where frigid winters and hot summers place heavy demands on the grid.

This reliability stabilizes costs, prevents outages, and powers key industries like farming, food processing, and manufacturing.

A Small Footprint, Big Results

Nuclear energy is also remarkably efficient in its use of land. Producing one million megawatt-hours of electricity requires about 17,800 acres of wind installations or 3,200 acres of solar panels. Nuclear can achieve the same output on just 103 acres.

For Minnesotans who care about preserving farmland, forests, and open space, that’s a meaningful difference. Nuclear allows us to meet electricity needs without sprawling across productive or scenic land.

Addressing Safety and Waste

Safety is a reasonable concern with any energy source, and nuclear is no exception. The good news: U.S. nuclear plants are among the most heavily regulated energy facilities in the world. With built-in safety systems and decades of experience, nuclear has one of the strongest safety records in the industry.

Waste is another common concern. Yet all used fuel from U.S. reactors since the 1950s would fit on a single football field, stacked less than 10 yards high. That spent fuel is securely stored and monitored and has caused zero harm to the public.

To put it in perspective: waste from one person’s lifetime of electricity use would fit inside a soda can.

Looking Ahead: Every Tool on the Table

No energy source is perfect. Building new nuclear plants takes time, investment, and careful planning. But if Minnesota hopes to meet future energy needs affordably while reducing emissions, nuclear deserves to be part of the conversation.

State law currently prohibits utilities from even exploring new nuclear projects. Lifting that moratorium wouldn’t build a plant tomorrow — but it would allow for thoughtful discussions, research and planning.

At the Minnesota Rural Electric Association, they believe in an “all-tech-on-deck” approach to energy. That means supporting innovation in wind, solar, battery storage, and nuclear — alongside other tools that ensure affordable, reliable power for all Minnesotans.

The state’s energy future depends on practical solutions that strengthen the economy, protect the environment, and keep Minnesota powered in every season. With nuclear on the table, Minnesota can lead the way in building an energy system that serves our communities today and creates a brighter tomorrow.