Finally!, the Return of Nuclear Power

As the rise of gas prices comes closer, different alternatives to fuel are sought by innovative countries. Yet again, America's legal transactions and policies get in the way of nuclear progress. Luckily, the plans for the nuclear plant in Maryland will continue, but due to the complications between the two companies, Constellation Energy and Électricité de France, progress has stalled. 

Under the deal announced on Tuesday night, E.D.F. will buy out Constellation’s share of what had been a joint venture, UniStar Nuclear Energy, for $140 million. But under United States law, E.D.F. would have to find an American partner to get a license from theNuclear Regulatory Commission, and it was not immediately know what company that would be. Many American companies with nuclear expertise have backed away from the idea of new plants because of their high costs, resistance from state regulators and a depressed market for electricity that has made any decision on building new generation of plants seem less urgent. 

 It goes to show that when American companies do not have the drive to push for a better future, progressive movements are left for dust to collect. The more alternatives for fuel and energy that are created, the closer America is to being independent of "fuels from hell". People must get over past scares and stereotypes about nuclear energy if we want to move forward as the spearhead in "Code Green". The retrogression of the electric car, is a huge reminder of what big business can do to innovative energy.

More Power! Germany Says Nuclear is the Way to Go

Germany plans to extend the life of their nuclear plants and register new zones for the growing demand. Like China, the government has taken the reigns for the best direction for Germany. How do you get the money to pay for super expensive nuclear plants? Tax the company of course!

New taxes levied on utility companies as part of the deal will be used in part to help develop renewable energy sources, Chancellor Angela Merkel said Monday. But she said Germany could not afford to get rid of nuclear power as planned because the amount of renewable energy available would not be sufficient to fill the gap.

“Nuclear energy is a bridge,” she said.

Desperate times, call for desperate measures, and Germany's answer is to satisfy the energy need with nuclear, for now. This is one way to combat the "heat" described by Friedman's Hot, Flat & Crowded. It seems the rest of the world has gotten over China Syndrome and are ready to do whatever it takes to stay afloat in the future.