The role of U.S. nuclear power in the 21st century

Abstract In the 20th century, the U.S. established itself as the global leader in nuclear science, engineering and technology, in large part because of policy principles established in the 1940s and 1950s. However, with 20% of its current nuclear fleet at risk of premature closure, limited nuclear construction projects on the horizon and increased competition from state-owned nuclear programs in China and Russia, America’s 20th century legacy of leadership may not be sustained in the 21st century.