24 Preserving Nuclear Power's Place in a Balanced Power Generation Policy

In considering the future of nuclear power for electricity production in the U.S., it is necessary to consider the present public perception of nuclear power. It is also necessary to consider public perceptions of the various competing sources of electricity production. These include coal, natural gas, and the several “green” or “renewable” sources, including hydro, wind, and solar. Note that petroleum is no longer part of this discussion; its use has diminished to barely 1% of electricity production.

Chapter 24 makes extensive use of referenced publications of the Nuclear Energy Institute, to take advantage of their expertise on specific subjects. This chapter also makes extensive use of referenced quotations from the works of established authors in the field to minimize misinterpretation of their work.

In 1994, about the time that the last nuclear power plant was completed, USA Today announced [1]: “Essentially, the nation decided that nuclear power wasn't worth the price.” …“Nuclear energy provides only 21% of our electrical needs, 4% of our total energy consumption. Is it worth the trouble? Not until the problems of waste, safety and cost are completely resolved.”