Is Nuclear Power the Future?

Is Nuclear Power the Future?

A broad majority of Americans (69%) favor the United States taking steps to become carbon neutral by 2050, according to a Pew Research Center survey conducted in January.

Spent nuclear fuel sits idle in 121 communities across 39 states because the country lacks a permanent geologic repository to dispose of the waste.

Securing energy independence.

Nuclear energy is one of the cleanest and most efficient methods to produce power. Nuclear reactors do not emit carbon, which is a net positive judged by criticisms of fossil fuels. Most important, nuclear power will facilitate independent production, keeping the U.S. from being reliant on authoritarian regimes and international supply chains to meet America’s energy needs.

Although nuclear fission generates waste, greater innovation and investment will increase efficiency of waste disposal. Even more promising is the prospect of fusion reaction, which produces more power with significantly less meltdown risk. But by neglecting to recognize the critically important energy source of nuclear power, the U.S. is at a severe strategic disadvantage. Government policy and capital investment should aim at self-sufficient energy production, and that starts with shifting focus to nuclear energy.

We Should Not Turn Nuclear.

We should not be turning to fission power. Splitting uranium releases heat and water vapor; practical environmental concerns center on waste disposal and the potential for catastrophic damage. Increasing the efficiency of the process and control of waste products can make the process greener, but both require investment. The current technology hasn’t changed much in 60 years because there is little desire to invest in it, given the association of nuclear power with historical catastrophe.

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