Palo Verde generator helps Southwest meet climate goals, but future of nuclear is debated Workers refuel a reactor core inside the containment building at Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station. (Source: Cronkite News) By Kevin Pirehpour | April 20, 2021 at 8:09 AM MST - Updated April 20 at 8:10 AM PHOENIX â The rising demand to eliminate fossil fuels has left some researchers and activists skeptical that nuclear energy can be part of the solution to meet climate goals. But a recent study finds that the Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station outside Phoenix may be key to eliminating carbon emissions from utility grids across the Southwest. In a joint study called the LA100, the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory found that LA could eliminate fossil fuels from the power supply as soon as 2035. Thatâs one of four scenarios envisioned by the federal laboratory, which specializes in renewable energy research.