Innovation in Nuclear Power

Next-generation nuclear technologies represent a change to how nuclear power plants are designedand the crucial role nuclear power can play in the world’s future energy mix. The authors examine the current regulatory framework for nuclear power in the United States, the birthplace of nuclear energy. That framework was shaped by concerns over release of nuclear secrets to hostile nations, focus on a single technology in light-water reactors, recognition that nuclear electric generation would be handled in the realm of monopoly control of generation, transmission, and distribution of the electricity produced, and a limited appreciation of the contribution of nuclear power to current goals of control of release of carbon gases and need to emphasize sustainability in energy supply. Recent bold innovations in nuclear technology, and legal impediments to their development, are identified. The authors identify helpful steps to make the law receptive to the new needs and technologies.