Nuclear power is a significant supply source of electricity for nations around the world and it will remain a critical part of the energy mix. It provides low-carbon, reliable electricity without the intermittency of renewables. Single stations can provide all the power needed for millions of residents and businesses within hundreds of miles.

Yet governments and utilities are not eagerly adopting new nuclear power facilities for a few important reasons. Most critically, the world is just 12 years removed from the Fukushima accident, and nuclear engineers continue to learn from this disaster. Nuclear infrastructure is incredibly expensive and construction can take a decade or longer. Nuclear waste is an extremely dangerous contaminant, with low-tech disposal that amounts to burying it forever. Obtaining enough nuclear fuel to meet demand can also be a challenge.

New technologies are emerging that aim to make nuclear power more economical, safer and less contaminating, and overall, a larger part of the energy mix forecast.

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