Customer Portal

Myth vs. Reality

Want to separate the rhetoric from the reality? Check out these common misconceptions and find out the truth behind what we do.

Myth: America doesn’t use nuclear power Myth: The nuclear industry is poorly regulated. Myth: Nuclear power is on the decline. Myth: Alternative energy sources can fulfill the same demand as nuclear power. Myth: EnergySolutions disposes of the most dangerous radioactive materials in the world. Myth: EnergySolutions just buries radioactive materials in the desert. Myth: EnergySolutions has a bad track record for safety. Myth: There are no nuclear reactors in Utah. Myth: EnergySolutions isn’t a Utah company. Myth: EnergySolutions is secretive. Myth: EnergySolutions doesn’t give back to the community. Myth: EnergySolutions isn’t compliant with regulations

Myth: America doesn’t use nuclear power

REALITY: America relies on nuclear power for 20 percent of today’s electrical energy. Click here to learn more.

Myth: The nuclear industry is poorly regulated.

REALITY: The nuclear industry is one the most stringently regulated industries in the country. Click here to learn more.

Myth: Nuclear power is on the decline.

REALITY: Just the opposite. As of 2010, worldwide there are 345 new nuclear power plants proposed, 151 planned and 57 under construction. In the U.S. alone, there are 23 proposed nuclear power plants, 9 planned and one already under construction. Click here to learn more.

Myth: Alternative energy sources can fulfill the same demand as nuclear power.

REALITY: We need all sources of reliable clean energy, but the Reality remains that nuclear power is the only source of energy which does not emit carbon dioxide (CO₂) that can meet the future demand for base-load electricity generation. Click here to learn more.

Myth: EnergySolutions disposes of the most dangerous radioactive materials in the world.

REALITY: Actually, EnergySolutions only accepts Class A radioactive materials, the classification reserved for the least radioactive materials in need of disposal.

Myth: EnergySolutions just buries radioactive materials in the desert.

REALITY: Through our team of scientists, engineers and safety professionals, we use advanced technology to process, contain and monitor any material disposed of at our site.

Myth: EnergySolutions has a bad track record for safety.

REALITY: EnergySolutions has worked more than 3.5 million man hours without a lost-time accident. We have received numerous awards and commendations for our excellent safety record.

Myth: There are no nuclear reactors in Utah.

REALITY: There’s actually a working nuclear reactor in Salt Lake City at the University of Utah, used for teaching and research. Click here to learn more.

Myth: EnergySolutions isn’t a Utah company.

REALITY: EnergySolutions has always been a Utah company, founded in Utah and headquartered in Utah.

Myth: EnergySolutions is secretive.

REALITY: EnergySolutions is a publicly traded company with information widely available to the general public. We also offer free tours of our Clive facility to anyone that’s interested. The truth is, we’d like to tell more about what we do, not less.

Myth: EnergySolutions doesn’t give back to the community.

REALITY: Besides the economic contributions we contribute to the state through taxes, payroll and partnerships with other Utah businesses, the EnergySolutions Foundation has contributed millions to scholarships and other worthy causes. For a complete list, visit www.energysolutionsfoundation.org.

Myth: EnergySolutions isn’t compliant with regulations

REALITY: EnergySolutions works with numerous regulatory agencies on the local, state and national level. Regulators monitor every aspect of our business, including transportation and disposal. In one of the country’s most stringently regulated industries, EnergySolutions has an all-star record of compliance.