Uranium-fueled nuclear energy is rapidly re-gaining global acceptance as a clean, reliable alternative to such dirty-burning fossil fuels as coal and oil. In a twin bid to combat global climate change and to keep up with soaring demand for electricity, countries are rushing to build nuclear power plants.
There are currently 440 nuclear reactors in operation that combined generate about 16% of the world’s electricity. Another 25 are under construction, 38 are on order and 115 are proposed.
More than 40 developing countries have recently approached United Nations officials to express interest in starting nuclear power programs, and China alone is planning to build 30 new plants in the next 15 years - a venture that will consume an estimated $50 billion in capital. In total, the country may require as many as 200 plants by 2050.
