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{
  "authors": [
    "Sharon Squassoni"
  ],
  "type": "testimony",
  "centerAffiliationAll": "dc",
  "centers": [
    "Carnegie Endowment for International Peace"
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  "primaryCenter": "Carnegie Endowment for International Peace",
  "programAffiliation": "NPP",
  "programs": [
    "Nuclear Policy"
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Source: Getty

Testimony

Nuclear Power in a Warming World: Solution or Illusion?

Nuclear energy cannot make a real difference to global climate change. To do so would require a tripling of capacity — building 25 reactors per year to 2050 — a rate of expansion that can't be met by the current infrastructure. As it is, nuclear energy, hampered by a moribund supply chain, will have to grow rapidly to maintain its current market share as demand for electricity doubles by 2030.

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By Sharon Squassoni
Published on Mar 12, 2008
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Program

Nuclear Policy

The Nuclear Policy Program aims to reduce the risk of nuclear war. Our experts diagnose acute risks stemming from technical and geopolitical developments, generate pragmatic solutions, and use our global network to advance risk-reduction policies. Our work covers deterrence, disarmament, arms control, nonproliferation, and nuclear energy.

Learn More

Nuclear energy cannot make a real difference to global climate change. To do so would require a tripling of capacity — building 25 reactors per year to 2050 — a rate of expansion that can't be met by the current infrastructure. As it is, nuclear energy, hampered by a moribund supply chain, will have to grow rapidly to maintain its current market share as demand for electricity doubles by 2030. That was the conclusion of testimony by Sharon Squassoni to the House Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming.

About the Author

Sharon Squassoni

Former Senior Associate, Nuclear Policy Program

Squassoni came to Carnegie from the Congressional Research Service. She also served for nine years in the executive branch. Her last position at the State Department was director of Policy Coordination in the Nonproliferation Bureau.

    Recent Work

  • Other
    Grading Progress on 13 Steps Toward Nuclear Disarmament

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  • Report
    Nuclear Energy: Rebirth or Resuscitation?

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Sharon Squassoni
Former Senior Associate, Nuclear Policy Program
Sharon Squassoni
EconomyTradeClimate ChangeNuclear PolicyNuclear Energy

Carnegie does not take institutional positions on public policy issues; the views represented herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of Carnegie, its staff, or its trustees.

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