Key Issues

Fukushima Response

New Nuclear Energy Facilities

Nuclear Waste Disposal

Protecting the Environment

Reliable & Affordable Energy

Safety & Security

""There is no question that nuclear is going to be part of the solution."

—Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.)
Chairwoman, U.S. Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works
MSNBC

Key Issues

Nuclear plants are clean, affordable and reliable. Browse this section to learn more about America's largest source of clean-air electricity.

	Fukushima Response
	Since the massive 2011 earthquake and tsunami that led to the nuclear accident at Fukushima Daiichi, operators of nuclear energy facilities in the United States have taken steps to make them even safer.

	+ More

	New Nuclear Energy Facilities
	The U.S. Department of Energy projects that U.S. electricity demand will rise 28 percent by 2040, less than 1 percent each year. That means our nation will need hundreds of new power plants to provide electricity for our homes and continued economic growth. Maintaining nuclear energy's current 20 percent share of generation would require building one reactor every year starting in 2016, or 20 to 25 new units by 2040, based on DOE forecasts.
	Building New Nuclear Plants Economic Benefits of New Plants Graphics and Charts Industry and Government Programs Need for New Nuclear Plants New Nuclear Plant Licensing New Reactor Designs Nuclear Supply Chain Small Reactors
	+ More

	Nuclear Waste Disposal
	Like other industrial facilities, nuclear power plants produce necessary byproducts. These include used nuclear fuel and less radioactive material like filters, tools and protective clothing.
	Graphics and Charts Helpful Links Integrated Used Fuel Management Low-Level Radioactive Waste Recycling Used Nuclear Fuel Storage of Used Nuclear Fuel Transportation Repository Development
	+ More

	Protecting the Environment
	Nuclear energy is America’s largest source of clean-air, carbon-free electricity, producing no greenhouse gases or air pollutants. The industry’s commitment to the environment extends to protecting wildlife and their habitats.
	Clean-Air Benefits of Nuclear Energy Clean Electricity for Transportation Climate Change Initiatives Ecology Graphics and Charts Helpful Links Life-Cycle Emissions Analysis Sustainable Development Water Use and Environmental Stewardship
	+ More

	Reliable & Affordable Energy
	Nuclear power plants produce nearly 20 percent of U.S. electricity. No other source of electricity can provide the combined benefits of nuclear energy: large amounts of reliable and affordable electricity, long-term price stability and no greenhouse gas emissions.
	Economic Growth Electricity Supply Energy Diversity Graphics and Charts
	+ More

	Safety & Security
	The nation’s nuclear power plants are among the safest and most secure industrial facilities in the United States. Multiple layers of physical security, together with high levels of operational performance, protect plant workers, the public and the environment.
	Emergency Preparedness Graphics and Charts Helpful Links Operational Safety Personnel Training and Screening Plant Security
	+ More

Helpful Links

+ MORE

What Are Opinion Leaders Saying About the Nuclear Industry?

Nuclear Energy Institute
1201 F St., NW, Suite 1100, Washington, DC 20004-1218
P: 202.739.8000 F: 202.785.4019
www.nei.org

Send to friend

Email Addresses separated by comma:

Your message (click here):