IDAHO NATIONAL LAB - "The world is going nuclear. It's not clear exactly what part the United States will play in that, but clearly worldwide there are about 65 plants under construction or planned, so what we do in the U.S. will depend on our economy," says Dr. Dale Klein of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

Even through tough economic times, the demand for finding an alternative source for energy is crucial to powering the future.

"The real place we need to look for in electrical generation is how do we generate base load electricity, that amount of electricity we need 24-hours a day," says Dr. Klein.

There are currently 104 plants running in the US today and generating 20-percent of our electricity.

"That means one out of every five days, your electricity comes from nuclear," he adds.

New applications for plants are in the works, but those still have obstacles to overcome.

"At the current time probably the limiting stability is the financing," says Dr. Klein.

As momentum builds behind new nuclear power in the United States, the question still remains will nuclear be the answer?

"Wind and solar are not base load," he adds.

and the new administration may not have nuclear on the mind...

"I would say the Obama administration is probably focusing more on wind and solar than they are base load nuclear generation," he says.

But as the need for finding a solution to an energy future continues, the nuclear energy commission is ready to take on the challenge.

"My job as a regulator is to make sure that it's done safely, securely and that we protect people and the environment. And that we give the public confidence that we are that check and balance so that it is continued to be done safely," says Dr. Klein.

But even still, it could take years before the application process gives the ok.

"We believe it will take us 30 months to do the initial technical review and then we are allowing 12 months for the hearing process," he adds.

A process that will be well worth the wait to building a nuclear future.