This press release is copyrighted by The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc. (IEEE). Its use is granted only to journalists and news media. Embargo date: 26 October 2001, 5:00 p.m. ET.
Some recent signs illustrating a renewed interest in nuclear power--at least in the United States--include the extension of nuclear power plant licenses, the release of the Bush administration's energy plan calling nuclear power essential, the waning of public opposition to the technology, and the increase in enrollment in nuclear engineering programs. That growing interest doesn't mean new plants are under construction--yet. But it could mean just that in years to come.
In a series of seven articles, IEEE Spectrum looks at these new attitudes, and some issues they raise. In "Nuclear Terrorism," the possibility that terrorists might fly a jumbo jet into a nuclear plant, or use ordinary nuclear waste as a radiological weapon, is discussed. "Extending Life by Half" looks at research on reactor safety, aging, and testing, all in the spotlight as plant operators apply for license extensions. "Canned Heat" considers the apparently safe--if still temporary--solution to the waste problem: dry cask storage. And in other articles, Spectrum analyzes new reactor designs, reviews polling data to determine just what the public really thinks about nuclear power, reviews the current state of nuclear engineering education, and, in a play-at-home board game, takes a sobering but whimsical look at just how tough it is to get a nuclear power plant up and running.
Contacts: Tekla S. Perry, 650 328 7570, [email protected]; William Sweet, 212 419 7559, [email protected]; Elizabeth A. Bretz, 212 419 7552, [email protected]; Glenn Zorpette, 212 419 7580, [email protected]; David P. Amber, 212 419 7581, [email protected].For faxed copies of the complete report ["Nuclear Power Gets a Second Look" by Tekla S. Perry, Steve Miller, Jenny Weil, Jason Makansi, Elizabeth A. Bretz, Glenn Zorpette, and David P. Amber, IEEE Spectrum, November, pp. 32-55] or to arrange an interview, contact: Nancy T. Hantman, 212 419 7561, [email protected].
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