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25 May 2007 -- Financial, regulatory and communications challenges are among those that still must be met to bring the emerging "nuclear energy renaissance" to fruition, Nuclear Energy Institute leaders told industry executives assembled at NEI's annual conference.
The NEI board Chairman cited used nuclear fuel management, financing of capital-intensive projects, and future work force needs as among the key challenges facing the industry. In separate remarks during the conference's opening session, NEI President and CEO Frank L. Bowman identified a need for improved communications to solidify political and public support among people and entities who are increasingly--but sometimes tenuously--embracing nuclear energy.
"Yes, we see growing support for nuclear energy because it is a carbon-free technology, but it is not unqualified or unambiguous support," Bowman said. "There are solid steps we can take--must take--to shore up that support, to make it less ambiguous, more solid, more sustainable."
Sixteen energy companies and consortia over the past 18 months have announced their intention to file license applications with the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission to build as many as 30 new nuclear power plants.
The theme for this year's conference, "The Changing Climate for Nuclear Energy," reflects the need to better manage shifting political and policy environments, Bowman said.
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