Power-hungry world embraces nuclear energy

Nuclear power is on the rise here and abroad after decades of dormancy, driven by the need for a cleaner environment and steady, secure sources of power in the Internet age.

In the United States, plans are on the drawing board to build as many as six new power plants — the first since 1973 — while hundreds more are under consideration in China, India, Russia and other countries.

Patrick Moore, a Greenpeace co-founder who gained fame in the 1960s leading opposition to nuclear testing, now says nuclear power is a better choice than coal, oil or natural gas for meeting the world’s power needs.

“Nuclear energy is the only non-greenhouse gas emitting power source that can effectively replace fossil fuels and satisfy global demand,” Mr. Moore told the House Government Reform subcommittee on energy and resources in April. “There is now a great deal of scientific evidence showing nuclear power to be an environmentally sound and safe choice.”

Washington Times