Over the past sixty years, we've seen the successful transformation of the atom from a military weapon to a vast source of electricity that powers many of our everyday activities— from surfing the Web to running a washing machine. And while nuclear energy is still viewed with some skepticism, decades of reliable output from this source have clearly illustrated its enormous potential.
Energy experts Alan Herbst and George Hopley understand the essential issues surrounding this industry, and in Nuclear Energy Now, they provide you with a balanced look at the benefits and drawbacks associated with this effective alternative to traditional energy sources, and discuss why the time has come for the United States to revitalize its nuclear generation assets.
Nuclear Energy Now opens with a brief overview of commercial nuclear development in the United States during the past half-century and moves on to discuss what the future may hold if new initiatives— supported by the Energy Policy Act of 2005— gain traction. Along the way, you'll discover why the need for nuclear power has become so critical and how we can safely add capacity to our national system in the coming years.
Filled with in-depth insights and practical advice, Nuclear Energy Now explores all of the issues related to developing America's nuclear energy capabilities and:
Identifies the strategic steps the U.S. government has taken to "jump start" this critical industry
Outlines the favorable economic and environmental aspects of nuclear power
Details nuclear technology's proven safety record as well as its ongoing operational upgrades
Examines nuclear power's growing global footprint andchronicles its current and past successes in Europe and the Far East
Nuclear power, with its proven track record and ability to produce tremendous amounts of energy from modest amounts of relatively inexpensive fuel, cannot be ignored— especially in today's environment of increasing energy demand and geopolitical instability. Engaging and informative, Nuclear Energy Now clears up many of the pervasive misconceptions regarding this proven technology and provides you with an unbiased look at how nuclear energy can power our country well into the twenty-first century.