Leveraging with the Nuclear Renaissance: One Automaker’s Perspective

Despite the tarnished history and reputation of nuclear power, a collision of favorable factors is leading to the lifting of the taboo around this energy source. Specifically, rising fuel prices and the increasing recognition of global warming as a real and pressing issue have allowed nuclear energy to begin to regain momentum and popularity. Meanwhile, other industries, such as auto and aircraft manufacturers, are thinking more and more about how they will leverage their companies with these trends.

Take for example the case of London-based Rolls-Royce plc, predominantly known as a luxury automaker, which recently announced that it would be forming a new nuclear division. By expanding the company’s work in nuclear power and giving it a separate division, Rolls-Royce is perhaps setting a trend that will be picked up by other companies grappling with oil prices and environmental issues.

Another interesting trend illuminated by the Rolls-Royce example is the increased attention given to nuclear waste, which is one of the lingering drawbacks of nuclear energy. The new wave of renaissance nuclear scientists will perhaps be better prepared to face decommissioning and nuclear waste issues, and Rolls-Royce’s interest in the issue bodes well for potential innovation and the eventual resolution of this shortcoming of nuclear energy. Foreign Policy blogger Eric Hundman concludes:

“Hopefully, more private entities will see fit to focus on concerns like these in the future -- and if we must have new nuclear power plants, we might as well make them Rolls-Royces.”