Climate change is a potential threat to the welfare of mankind and its mitigation is becoming urgent. Nuclear energy, which provides one-fifth of U.S. electricity generation, is currently the leading utility-scale, carbon-free baseload power source in America. But it is expensive, controversial, and regulated in a way that poses challenges to technological innovation. So how does nuclear power fit into U.S. climate change mitigation goals going forward?
The Michigan Memorial Seed Funding Program allows U-M research groups to explore proposal development for projects related to the peaceful use of nuclear energy. A new round of funding is open, and applications are due on January 26.
In the International Monetary Fund’s December 2015 issue of Finance and Development, Catherine Hausman co-authors “The Power of the Atom” with Lucas Davis.
Panel debate over emissions doesn't follow partisan lines
E&E News
It was an unusual scenario, to say the least.
Republican lawmakers yesterday needled witnesses on the nuances and intricacies of carbon accounting for biofuels -- models created to showcase how well the fuels performed as a tool for averting climate change.
ANN ARBOR—With new equipment that makes it the best in the world for quickly recreating the radiation damage sustained by materials inside nuclear reactors, the Michigan Ion Beam Laboratory marked its grand re-opening this week. The $3 million laboratory expansion added a third accelerator, which is crucial to accurately mimicking reactor damage.
When Tom Downar left West Point in 1974, the young graduate wasn’t interested in taking the easy path - at least not in terms of his engineering degree. Instead, the former military man decided to take on nuclear energy.
“I liked physics and engineering; nuclear was the best of both worlds and you get something done,” says Downar. “You produce electricity and do it in what we think what is an environmentally friendly way.”
At MIT, Downar earned an MS and a PhD in Nuclear Engineering during a time when the field was facing significant issues and public disapproval.
Beyond Carbon Neutral is a major new initiative to develop technologies, programs and policies to raise the rate at which carbon dioxide is removed from the atmosphere.
