Nuclear Energy Now: Why the Time Has Come for the World's Most Misunderstood Energy Source [Hardcover]

Alan M. Herbst (Author), George W. Hopley (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 23, 2007 | ISBN-10: 0470051361 | ISBN-13: 978-0470051368 | Edition: 1

A timely and thought-provoking solution to the world's energy shortfall

The dramatic increases in oil and natural gas prices, the finite supply of fossil fuels, and concerns over emissions and global warming are forcing us to consider alternatives. In this measured and knowledgeable book, energy experts Alan Herbst and George Hopley argue that the time has come for the U.S. to revitalize its nuclear generation assets in order to successfully meet growing domestic electricity requirements and lessen our dependence on foreign sources of energy. Nuclear Energy Now provides an informed look at the benefits and drawbacks associated with this controversial alternative to traditional energy sources.

It opens with a brief overview of commercial nuclear development in the U.S. during the past half-century and moves on to discuss what the future may hold if new initiatives-supported by the Energy Policy Act of 2005-gain traction. Along the way, readers will find informed insights into why the need for nuclear power has become so critical and how we can safely add capacity in the coming years. Exploring all of the issues related to developing America's nuclear energy capabilities safely and cost-effectively, Nuclear Energy Now is a must-read for anyone concerned about our oil dependency, the environment, and future of the nation.

Editorial Reviews

From the Inside Flap

Over the past sixty years, we've seen the successful transformation of the atom from a military weapon to a vast source of electricity that powers many of our everyday activities—from surfing the Web to running a washing machine. And while nuclear energy is still viewed with some skepticism, decades of reliable output from this source have clearly illustrated its enormous potential.

Energy experts Alan Herbst and George Hopley understand the essential issues surrounding this industry, and in Nuclear Energy Now, they provide you with a balanced look at the benefits and drawbacks associated with this effective alternative to traditional energy sources, and discuss why the time has come for the United States to revitalize its nuclear generation assets.

Nuclear Energy Now opens with a brief overview of commercial nuclear development in the United States during the past half-century and moves on to discuss what the future may hold if new initiatives—supported by the Energy Policy Act of 2005—gain traction. Along the way, you'll discover why the need for nuclear power has become so critical and how we can safely add capacity to our national system in the coming years.

Filled with in-depth insights and practical advice, Nuclear Energy Now explores all of the issues related to developing America's nuclear energy capabilities and:

• Identifies the strategic steps the U.S. government has taken to "jump start" this critical industry

• Outlines the favorable economic and environmental aspects of nuclear power

• Details nuclear technology's proven safety record as well as its ongoing operational upgrades

• Examines nuclear power's growing global footprint and chronicles its current and past successes in Europe and the Far East

Nuclear power, with its proven track record and ability to produce tremendous amounts of energy from modest amounts of relatively inexpensive fuel, cannot be ignored—especially in today's environment of increasing energy demand and geopolitical instability. Engaging and informative, Nuclear Energy Now clears up many of the pervasive misconceptions regarding this proven technology and provides you with an unbiased look at how nuclear energy can power our country well into the twenty-first century.

From the Back Cover

Praise for Nuclear Energy Now

"Herbst and Hopley do a brilliant job of dispelling?myths about the alleged health risks?of nuclear power. This book will be a major catalyst in rallying public support for this efficient, environmentally friendly, and safe source of energy for America."
—Dr. Elizabeth M. Whelan, President, American Council on Science and Health

"Nuclear Energy Now addresses the two most critical technical problems for the United States: improving our energy generation capacity and lowering the emissions of greenhouse gasses. The U.S. energy community needs more people like Alan Herbst and George Hopley, energy experts who, in this book, successfully explain the benefits of nuclear power generation and resolve many of the flawed assumptions that have delayed the United States in building a domestic nuclear power infrastructure."
—Robert Hotto, Chief Scientist, Chai Energy

"Alan Herbst and George Hopley have really captured the growing public mandate to build more nuclear power plants, as well as discuss the clean air benefits that they bring to help reduce our problematic CO2 emissions that are leading to global warming. This book is a must read for all Americans who care about our national security and who want to put an end to our energy dilemma and force our government to embark upon establishing an energy policy that really addresses the concerns future generations will inherit."
—David Perez, CEO and Chairman, Surge Global Energy, Inc.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 230 pages
• Publisher: Wiley; 1 edition (March 23, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0470051361
• ISBN-13: 978-0470051368
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.3 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,027,210 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

25 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars We Need to Embrace Nuclear Energy Now, April 19, 2007

By 

Joel Saxton (Venice, CA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Nuclear Energy Now: Why the Time Has Come for the World's Most Misunderstood Energy Source (Hardcover)

NEN is filled with tons of facts, yet is a quick read and a very good primer on the subject of nuclear energy. For those who are concerned about carbon emissions, nuclear energy is the ONLY economically viable alternative to petroleum for electricity generation. Anyone who thinks solar and wind can fill this void is simply wrong. It takes hundreds of windmills to produce the same power as a single nuclear or coal plant. Solar cells are approximately 20% efficient, and like wind farms, require vast tracts of land. Additionally, both are entirely dependent on weather conditions. Sheryl Crow's vacuous endorsement of these "alternatives" on the Bill Maher show once again demonstrates the majority's poverty of understanding of these basic facts. This is not surprising; nuclear energy has received a bad rap from environmentalists for decades. Issues with waste and proliferation are easily solvable with prudent policies. The real problem is fear: an intense, quivering fear cultivated by the environmental movement that leaves us incapable of dealing with our energy problems in an intelligent manner.

Although I am not a global warming catastrophist, I believe it is prudent to limit what we pump into the atmosphere. Sure, driving hybrid cars helps a little, but remember that all of our automobiles combined emit less than half of the carbon produced by our power plants. The greatest single strategy to limit carbon emissions is producing electricity with nuclear power. Environmentalists need to abandon their religious dogma and accept this fact; otherwise, they relinquish their right to shrill hectoring about global warming.

Here is what I would propose as a simple roadmap to lower CO2 emissions:

1) Gradually phase out all coal/gas/oil power plants and replace with nuclear plants.

2) Continue to develop rapid-recharge high-capacity lithium ion battery technology for automobiles.

3) Investigate other energy storage alternatives like ultracapacitors, which may be practical in the near future.

4) Reform and streamline industrial processes to reduce emissions.

5) Investigate prudent sources of ethanol (no corn, please) and biodiesel fuels.

6) Continue nuclear fusion research.

13 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Damming with faint praise, November 20, 2007

By 

S. Duval (austin, tx) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Nuclear Energy Now: Why the Time Has Come for the World's Most Misunderstood Energy Source (Hardcover)

This book purports to support nuclear power and then doesn't make much of a case for it. I am sorry that I wasted my money on this book.

Try Power to Save the World: The Truth About Nuclear Energy by Gwyneth Craven who is a 30 year green activist and makes a fact based argument for nuclear. She puts forward all the standard arguments against nuclear and shows how they don't hold up. She spent 8 years researching her book with another environmentalist who works at the Sandia National Laboratory.

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Safe and secure nuclear power for replacing fossil fuels, July 21, 2008

By 

Klaus H. Hemsath "Dr Klaus" (Palmetto, Florida) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Nuclear Energy Now: Why the Time Has Come for the World's Most Misunderstood Energy Source (Hardcover)

"Nuclear Energy Now" is an excellent book about the present status of nuclear power. Its starting point is the realization that increasing amounts of carbon dioxide emissions are causing global warming and climate change. Combustion of fossil fuels is producing this chemically very stable and optically active gas. There seems to be only one effective way to stop its accumulation in the atmosphere; we must stop all fossil fuel combustion!

The industrial revolution of the last two centuries has made many nations and its citizens very prosperous. The ready availability of huge amounts of inexpensive energy facilitated this burst of industrial activity. World economies have become utterly dependent on the unlimited supply of electricity, heating gases, and transportation fuels.

"Nuclear Energy Now" shows that it is possible to build nuclear plants that can in due time replace all fossil fuel fired electric power plants. Nuclear energy cannot only replace fossil fuels in this energy sector. Nuclear fuel costs and nuclear plant costs are low enough to produce electricity at very competitive prices.

However, nuclear power has a major image problem. The public does not understand the technology, is deadly afraid of nuclear radiation, does not believe that nuclear reactors are safe, and fears that the proliferation of nuclear power across the world will create security problems.

The authors try to dispel these concerns. They make the point that the US has an outstanding safety record and that not a single person has ever been killed in an accident. They also point to France, which is producing close to 80% of its electricity from nuclear fuels. They ascertain that nuclear power plants do not emit greenhouse gases or radioactive substances and are safe.

Nuclear energy is the only viable option for replacing fossil fuels for electric power generation. Solar power, wind power, and other renewable energies can only replace a fraction of the electric power, which we need to keep our economies healthy.

Replacing petroleum for powering the world's transportation systems may be an even more challenging problem than electricity generation and is even more critical for the functioning of the world's economies.

The two authors, Alan M. Herbst and George W. Hopley have written an outstanding text that spells out the unique promises and the continuing problems of nuclear power.

In the end, the reader is left with a choice. Are the safety measures and security provisions described by the authors acceptable or are they still found wanting.

We need alternate ways to produce electric power urgently. Renewable energies cannot contribute enough power soon enough. Nuclear power seems our only hope. One question keeps lingering; can more be done to eliminate remaining safety and security concerns?