The continuous development of cutting-edge technology and innovation by nuclear energy industry professionals has helped the nuclear energy industry become the nation’s most reliable carbon-free source of electricity.

To increase public awareness of these innovations and their importance, the Nuclear Energy Institute has produced a series of videos that examine innovations that have been recognized with a Top Industry Practice award. This is the third in a series of four videos that are posted on NEI’s Web site.

This new video, “The Secret Is Plastic,” highlights new applications of plastic piping at two nuclear plants that enhance their operation and decrease the cost of maintaining plant water systems. Duke Energy employees at the Catawba nuclear station in South Carolina and AmerenUE employees at the Callaway nuclear plant in Missouri shared the award.

Both Duke Energy and AmerenUE have shared information and technology with the nuclear industry for the use of polyethylene piping as a safe and cost-effective alternative for replacement of service water piping systems. Their achievements can yield benefits to the entire U.S. nuclear energy industry, including new nuclear energy facilities.