The Fukushima nuclear reactor accident in March 2011 challenged the public’s perception of nuclear power. However, much of this disillusionment simply stems from a lack of understanding of how a nuclear power plant functions. Inside a Nuclear Reactor A nuclear power plant is a lot like most coal or natural …
“What is radiation?” That simple, three-word question largely embodies the concerns that many Americans have about nuclear power. The answer can be just as complicated as one wants to make it. According to Merriam-Webster’s dictionary, radiation is “energy radiated in the form of waves or particles.” Jim Hopson puts it …
While nuclear energy is unique, uranium, its primary fuel, occurs naturally within the earth much like other, better understood energy sources such as coal, oil, and natural gas. In each case, extracting the fuel is an essential first step in the production of power. Despite the similarities, uranium mining can …
Nuclear power plants produce almost 80 percent of the emission-free energy in the nation, and cooling towers—though often misunderstood—are an essential part of what makes that possible. Despite their being perfectly safe and far removed from anything radioactive, for many people cooling towers conjure up images of toxic waste, environmental …
Two major financial news publications, the Economist and The Wall Street Journal, published major articles in the past week arguing that the American nuclear renaissance has ended before it ever really began. While the articles differ slightly in their presentation, the basic common thread is that new nuclear power cannot …
Tomorrow marks the one-year anniversary of the Great East Japan Earthquake, a massive jolt to the country that caused widespread damage and had ramifications on the economy and energy sector. Japan is still recovering a year later. This week on Scribecast, we spoke to Japan’s ambassador to the United States, …
The Heritage Foundation just released a new documentary called “Powering America”. It explores the benefits of nuclear energy and it addresses the concerns that people have. Click here to join us right now for our “Lunch with Heritage” chat. We are joined by Heritage’s nuclear energy expert Jack Spencer. Jack …
