Nuclear Power Technology: A Mandate for Change

Over the past 10 yr, nuclear power in the United States has been in a very difficult period. No new power plant orders have been placed, orders have been cancelled, construction has been delayed, costs have escalated, and concern for safety has impeded development. Yet, the need for nuclear power in the future appears to be growing. For the United States to play a major role in the nuclear industry of the 21st century, the problems of the past must be identified and corrected. This may include the development of “inherently” or “demonstrably” safe reactors that are not based on current light water reactor technologies.