With growing global energy needs and the threat of climate change, the demand for nuclear power is expanding, and we do need to continue to facilitate the legitimate peaceful use of nuclear energy.

Europe's energy subsidies, unlike America's, do not include nuclear, largely because of German opposition (which may change, following Angela Merkel's recent election victory).

"I don't think you'll see countries that have already committed to nuclear plans change course," says Benjamin Sovacool, assistant professor of energy policy at the National University of Singapore.