Nuclear energy usage

Since the early 1990s the United States has imported more oil than it has produced for its own use. And, as the nuclear option became frozen, coal has become the chief source for gcirerating electricity, which itself accounts for about 35 percent of the energy sector. In 1997, 52 percent of electricity produced in the United States was generated from coal and in other recent years the fraction has approached 56 percent. Since the United States accounts for one—quarter of total world energy usage, the increase in coal use in the United States alone has a significant... 

The application of nuclear heat to produce hydrogen as a replacement for fossil fuels might achieve an essentially greenhouse gas free energy supply chain extending from resource to end use and it allows nuclear to move beyond electricity to service all sectors of primary energy usage. 

Implementation of the 1998 Kyoto Protocol, which is designed to reduce global carbon emissions, will have dramatic effects on fossil fuel usage worldwide. The Kyoto Protocol mostly affects delivered prices for coal and conversion of plants to natural gas, nuclear and/or renewable resources. However, as pointed out by the International Energy Agency, increased natural gas consumption in the United States may likely have the effect of increased reliance... 

Promethium produces beta rays (high-energy electrons). These beta rays are used to produce nuclear-powered batteries to provide electricity for spacecraft, as well as long-term usage for up to five years in regions without electricity. It also could be used as a source of portable X-rays, as a gauge to measure the thickness of various materials, and to produce special lasers that can communicate with submarines. 

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