Perspective of energy policy in the U.S.

U.S. National Energy Policy encourages the expanded use of nuclear energy while emphasizing the need for improved safeguards and proliferation resistance. The National Energy Policy, published in May 2001 cites that 'The National Energy Policy Development (NEPD) Group recommends that the President support the expansion of nuclear energy in the United States as a major component of our national energy policy.' However, the U.S. policy also emphasizes that the expansion of nuclear energy must be supported by the development of advanced safeguards and more proliferation resistant technologies. U.S. energy policy promotes emission free energy that is sustainable and economically viable. Current carbon dioxide concentrations in the atmosphere are approaching a record levels Of 380 ppm. It is widely believed that we are quickly approaching a 'carbon wall' when the concentrations reach somewhere between 450 ppm and 750 ppm. Further increases in CO{sub 2} concentrations in the atmosphere are likely to result in serious changes in the atmosphere, even though the severity of the consequences may be debatable. Thus, to meet the growing energy demand worldwide, emission free energy sources are needed. At present, nuclear power is the only large-scale energy production technology that is economically competitive with fossil fuels. U.S.more » energy policy promotes the expansion of nuclear power while continuing research in 'renewable energy' forms. Meeting the growing energy demand of developing nations by clean energy forms is essential for world peace, prosperity and environmental integrity. Energy use will grow as developing countries achieve affluence. Affluence in developing countries will lead to more stable and peaceful world. Note that a world of 10 billion people consuming energy as US citizens do today would raise the world energy demand by 10 fold. Such a growth via the use of fossil fuel will result in resource shortfalls and regional conflicts, and serious environmental impact. Therefore, worldwide expansion of nuclear energy use is a natural development and will occur. However, while for world peace and prosperity, this outcome is encouraged, it is important to recognize that nuclear material management is becoming an important International issue that requires a unified solution. To promote the growth of nuclear energy, four major programs are ongoing in the U.S. lead by the US Department of Energy (DOE), Office of Nuclear Energy, Science and Technology: (1) 201 0 Initiative, (2) Advanced Fuel Cycle Initiative (AFCI), (3) Nuclear Hydrogen Initiative (NHI), and (4) Generation IV (Gen IV) Initiative. 2010 Initiative focuses on exploring new sites, developing the business case for nuclear energy, developing the Generation III+ technologies, and demonstrating new NRC process for nuclear plant licensing. AFCI is focused on research for recovery of energy value from SNF, reducing the inventory of civilian Plutonium and the toxicity and heat of waste, and more effective use of the repository. GEN IV initiative is conducting research for better, safer, and more economic nuclear power plants with improvements in safety and reliability, proliferation resistance and physical protection, economic competitiveness and sustainability. Finally, NHI is developing technologies for economic, commercial-scale generation of hydrogen.« less