Nuclear Energy

In Brief

Nuclear power provides about 20% of America's energy needs, and much more in countries from Europe to Asia. Proponents cite its advantages over fossil fuels, and yet critics note dangers including uncertain long-term environmental impacts of nuclear waste. The recent disaster in Japan also highlights the potential threat of nuclear plant meltdown. Brookings experts examine the potential and challenge of nuclear energy.

Liquefied natural gas (LNG) storage tanks and a membrane-type tanker are seen at Tokyo Electric Power Co.'s Futtsu Thermal Power Station in Futtsu, east of Tokyo (REUTERS/Issei Kato).

Opinion | Brookings Northeast Asia Commentary

Energy Security in Northeast Asia: A Pivotal Moment for the U.S.-Japan Alliance

March 2013, Shoichi Itoh

Japan’s post-Fukushima imports of liquefied natural gas have raised prices in Asia and depleted some of Japan’s wealth. Shoichi Itoh argues that a considered restart of Japan’s nuclear reactors and imports of LNG from the continental United States will benefit Japan’s economy, provide an opportunity to enhance the U.S.-Japan alliance and contribute to a framework for energy security and geopolitical stability in Northeast Asia.