A timely and thought-provoking solution to the world's energy shortfall The dramatic increases in oil and natural gas prices, the finite supply of fossil fuels, and concerns over emissions and global warming are forcing us to consider alternatives. In this measured and knowledgeable book, energy experts Alan Herbst and George Hopley argue that the time has come for the U.S. to revitalize its nuclear generation assets in order to successfully meet growing domestic electricity requirements and lessen our dependence on foreign sources of energy. Nuclear Energy Now provides an informed look at the benefits and drawbacks associated with this controversial alternative to traditional energy sources. It opens with a brief overview of commercial nuclear development in the U.S. 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, readers will find informed insights into why the need for nuclear power has become so critical and how we can safely add capacity in the coming years. Exploring all of the issues related to developing America's nuclear energy capabilities safely and cost-effectively, Nuclear Energy Now is a must-read for anyone concerned about our oil dependency, the environment, and future of the nation.

This book is a collection of essays focused on the Gordian knot of our time, the closely coupled problems of energy poverty for billions of humans, and global warming for all humans. The central thesis of the book in that nuclear power is not only the only solution, it is a highly desirable solution, cheaper, safer, less intrusive on nature than all the alternatives.

Originally published in 1961. This book gives the layman a better understanding of the nature of nuclear power and explains some of the major problems which have to be overcome in making practical use of it. It is concerned mainly with the different kinds of nuclear reactors - their underlying principles are explained and illustrated by reference to particular plants or design studies. Interested readers will find that the discussion of principles is full enough, and the range covered wide enough, to provide a broad view of the subject and a useful introduction to some more technical literature.

The senior Senator from New Mexico, Pete V. Domenici, has written a thoughtful assessment of the progress Americans have made in their efforts to bring the benefits of nuclear power to mankind. He outlines what went wrong and why, and in this noble quest, what we must now do to recover from and repudiate past blunders. Senator Domenici has been called Congress' chief apostle for nuclear power and in this book he shares his vision and passion for a renewed commitment, by this nation, and the rest of the world, to the dreams that nuclear energy can help us fulfill. It is also a book about what kind of world our grandchildren could inhabit if we fail in making and keeping such a commitment. Visit our website for sample chapters!

As energy demand increases in line with the expansion of the world's leading economies and the growth of developing economies, a key challenge remains of how to provide the energy levels required while protecting our environment and conserving natural resources. Nuclear energy is a complex and controversial technology but also has the potential to provide considerable benefits. This publication explores a range of issues involved in the use of nuclear energy, including safety aspects, whether its use is economically competitive, its role in meeting greenhouse gas reduction targets, how to manage the radioactive waste it generates, whether its use increase the risk of proliferation of nuclear weapons, security of resources, and its potential role in the future.

This open access book discusses the eroding economics of nuclear power for electricity generation as well as technical, legal, and political acceptance issues. The use of nuclear power for electricity generation is still a heavily disputed issue. Aside from technical risks, safety issues, and the unsolved problem of nuclear waste disposal, the economic performance is currently a major barrier. In recent years, the costs have skyrocketed especially in the European countries and North America. At the same time, the costs of alternatives such as photovoltaics and wind power have significantly decreased.