A Nuclear Future

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Story Published: May 22, 2007 at 5:30 PM MST

Story Updated: Nov 7, 2008 at 12:06 PM MST

By Rick Montañez

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The Browns Ferry Nuclear reactor in Alabama, is back online today after being idle for more than 22 years.

It's a big step for Nuclear energy in the U.S., especially those working at the Idaho National Laboratory. KIDK Newswatch 3's Rick Montanez reports.

It's the first time in 10 years the U.S. has added to its nuclear capacity, which is good news with all the talk of high gas prices and global warming. Researchers say nuclear energy is cheaper and cleaner.

Decatur, Alabama is home to the Browns Ferry No. 1 nuclear reactor that cost more than $1.8 Billion to rebuild. This means advancement in nuclear energy for more than 600,000 homes and businesses.

"Nuclear energy really represents a major part of any responsible solution to our energy needs," said Tim Laahy of the INL.

There was a rush for Nuclear advancement several decades ago, but that type of technology was halted, until now. The united states, with the addition of Browns Ferry, now has 104 nuclear plants.

"The restart again is symbolic in the sense that it really establishes that America has a nuclear future, that nuclear energy has to be a part of our overall energy picture and that browns ferry is ready to go again"

Leahy says the restart of Browns Ferry will show the country that nuclear energy will be used in the future.

"More importantly, it provides a clear indication that more nuclear power is needed in this country, and that it can be done in a way that's very safe, economically attractive and doesn't contribute to global warming."

The more efficient nuclear energy is developing quickly.

"In terms of nuclear energy, probably the most direct application would be our program that we call the next generation nuclear plant. That would produce both electricity and would use process heat to produce hydrogen on a commercial scale."

The ability to use nuclear energy on a commercial scale may mean a cleaner and greener future.

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