A Practical Solution To U.s. Energy Needs May Exist

While both the demand for energy and energy pricesCompany. It has introduced what's been described as
continue to increase, nonrenewable sources ofthe safest and most economical nuclear power plant
energy, particularly fossil fuels, are decreasing. Theseavailable in the worldwide commercial marketplace-the
factors, coupled with the effects of pollution andAP1000. It's the first reactor of its class to receive
global warming, are driving consumers and industry toDesign Certification from the Nuclear Regulatory
call for a better solution to the world's energy needs.Commission.
Some suggest that the solution might be found byBased on 20 years of research and development, the
making innovative technological improvements to anreactor builds on the proven technology of major
existing source of energy- nuclear power. Currently,components used in current Westinghouse-designed
nuclear power supplies 16 percent of the world'splants. These components include steam generators,
energy.digital instrumentation and controls, fuel, reactor
Unlike coal, natural gas, or oil-all nonrenewable andcoolant pumps and integrated engineering-and have
subject to price volatility-nuclear power plants areyears of reliable operating experience.
fueled by uranium, a relatively abundant element thatUsing this established technology as a jumping-off
occurs naturally in the earth's crust. Plus, nuclearpoint, the innovative design of the reactor is said to
energy is the world's largest source of emission-freeoffer distinct advantages over other
energy. Nuclear power plants produce no controlledreactors-including unequaled safety, economic
air pollut-ants or greenhouse gases.competitiveness and improved and more efficient
One of the latest developments in the production ofoperations.
nuclear energy comes from Westinghouse Electric