Skip navigation


The Nuclear OptionThe Nuclear Option
What was once the nation's biggest nightmare may now be the savior of America's Energy Crisis | CNBC's Melissa Francis explores The Nuclear Option

ABOUT THE SHOW

Power consumption in the United States has never been greater. Currently the country gets 20% of its electricity from nuclear energy. But with the price of oil soaring and increased opposition to coal fired plants, many wonder if America should be more like France, where 80% of the power is nuclear.  Americans haven’t built a new nuclear plant in thirty years.  Now the country sits on the verge of a nuclear revolution.

CNBC's Melissa Francis explores the issue, which according to a recent CNBC poll has the nation divided. She takes viewers on a rare tour inside of a nuclear power plant, to France where nuclear energy is working, and to what may be the future home of the first new nuclear power plant in the United States in over 30 years.


Current DateTime: 03:17:20 09 Feb 2012
LinksList Documentid: 31948419

SLIDESHOW


Current DateTime: 03:17:21 09 Feb 2012
LinksList Documentid: 27101350
  • Explore The Nuclear Option

      There are currently 23 permits for new plants being reviewed by the government. Energy companies are beginning the public relations push, but there are still hurdles to overcome.


VIDEO GALLERY


Current DateTime: 03:17:21 09 Feb 2012
LinksList Documentid: 27072545
  • Three Mile Island 

      Three Mile Island may have been where nuclear expansion came to a halt, but to the surprise of many it is still up and running, powering over 800 thousand households.

  • The Nuclear Revolution 

      The nuclear revolution is in full swing in the U.S., but there remains one hurdle: What to do with all that waste.

  • Terrorist Attacks 

      Chairman of the NRC Dale Klein talks to Melissa Francis about the possibilities of terrorists attacking a nuclear power plant.

  • France & Nuclear Power 

      Paris is the city of lights, lights powered by Nuclear Energy. In fact nearly 80% of France's power comes from Nukes and that number is growing.

  • Recycling Nuclear Fuel 

      A key to France's nuclear success is re-processing spent nuclear fuel.

  • Nuclear Waste 

      Melissa Francis talks to the Department of Energy's Ward Sproat about what to do with all the nuclear waste.


SHOW TIMES

Check the US TV Schedule


Current DateTime: 03:17:21 09 Feb 2012
LinksList Documentid: 31948338

SHOW HOST

Melissa FrancisMelissa Francis
CNBC's "The Call" co-anchor

   Read Profile

LATEST ENERGY WIRES


Current DateTime: 03:17:22 09 Feb 2012
LinksList Documentid: 27082470

LATEST ENERGY VIDEOS


Current DateTime: 03:17:23 09 Feb 2012
LinksList Documentid: 27082468
    • Tesla Motor CEO Unveils First SUV 

        Elon Musk, Tesla Motors CEO, will unveil the company's first SUV, the model "X." He explains how it will be different from other electric vehicles like the Nissan Leaf and Chevy Volt, with CNBC's Phil LeBeau.

    • Commodities Tomorrow: Geopolitical Risk Continues 

        CNBC's Sharon Epperson discusses the day's activity in the commodities markets and looks at where oil and precious metals are likely headed tomorrow. Geopolitical risk and refinery issues in the U.S. could boost prices.




MORE CNBC ORIGINAL PRODUCTIONS

CNBC Original ProductionsCNBC Original Productions

Current DateTime: 03:17:24 09 Feb 2012
LinksList Documentid: 27082472


CONTACT US

nuclearoption@cnbc.com 

Current DateTime: 11:43:35 09 Feb 2012
LinksList Documentid: 29778428

Current DateTime: 11:56:47 09 Feb 2012
LinksList Documentid: 29779196

Current DateTime: 10:44:46 09 Feb 2012
LinksList Documentid: 29779197

Current DateTime: 01:22:57 09 Feb 2012
LinksList Documentid: 29779199
CNBCCNBC
About CNBC  |  Site Map  |  Video Reprints   |  Advertise  |  Help  |  Contact
Privacy Policy  |     |  Terms of Service  |  Independent Programming Report
  Data is a real-time snapshot  *Data is delayed at least 15 minutes
Global Business and Financial News, Stock Quotes, and Market Data and Analysis

© 2012 CNBC LLC.  All Rights Reserved.
A Division of NBCUniversal
Thomson ReutersThomson Reuters