In some nations, attempts are being made to estimate and internalize environmental costs into the calculated costs of production. Energy conservation programs can lower demand growth rates, and delay for a few years perhaps, but not eliminate, the need for new power plants. The record around the world shows that nuclear plants can compete effectively with coal and other alternative sources. They provide diversity of supply, and in some nations are of critical importance in reducing the need for imported oil and liquified natural gas. Reliability records are improving each year.
New plants are currently under construction in France, Japan, China, Korea, Brazil and Romania.
Uranium resources are abundant and fuel supplies are economical at this time. Recycling of plutonium will help to keep nuclear fuel prices down and extend the natural uranium resource well into the 21st century. Ultimately, breeder reactors will be able to produce enough new plutonium to assure sufficient nuclear fuel supply for future centuries. The commercial nuclear electric power fuel cycle is not a logical or effective pathway to nuclear weapons. Experience has shown that accurate inventories of critical materials can be maintained.