Nuclear Energy

“Nuclear energy is the only large-scale, cost-effective energy source that can reduce [CO2] emissions while continuing to satisfy a growing demand for power. And these days we can do it safely.” Patrick Moore, Co-Founder of Greenpeace, Washington Post, 4/16/06.

The Unites States currently obtains 20% of its electricity from nuclear technology. Among the choices for electric power generation, nuclear technology is the only alternative that can produce quantities of electricity sufficient to make a meaningful contribution to our nation’s energy needs, without producing greenhouse gases. And, the nuclear industry has a demonstrable record of safe and reliable operation.

Nuclear power is one of the best sources of electrical generation today. France, Belgium, Sweden and Japan all derive significant quantities of their electricity from nuclear technology. This is not surprising considering that nuclear power is currently the least expensive electrical generation option, averaging only 1.72 cents per kilowatt hour. In addition, nuclear power requires far less fuel to produce comparable quantities of electricity when compared with coal, natural gas or petroleum. For example, just 450,000 pounds (225 tons) of yellowcake produced at the Piñon Ridge Mill will produce as much electricity as 8,000,000,000 pounds (4,000,000 tons) of coal from Wyoming’s Powder River Basin.

And unlike solar and wind energy, nuclear energy does not depend on sunshine and wind levels, making it more reliable than these energy sources.

Nuclear power generation has built an impressive track record of success and safety in the United States, despite a few well-publicized accidents which occurred several years ago, caused by noncompliance with regulations and procedures. Because of its successful track record, 26 new nuclear plants have license applications under review by government licensing authorities in the United States, and even more plants are in the process of filing applications.

As a result, domestic demand for uranium – the fuel for nuclear energy – is expected to rise significantly.