Energy security

It might be time to bring nuclear power back to America

Looks like its time to get radioactive, America.

The US has committed to cutting 80% of the greenhouse gases it currently pumps into the air by 2050.

It's a major project, and an expensive one, too.

But Columbia University environmental economist Geoffrey Heal said nuclear power could cut those costs significantly.

Here's why:

Shifting to an 80% cleaner grid will likely involve building up solar and wind from about 6% to 66% of total electric generation on the US grid. In addition to the costs of the windmills and photovoltaic panels themselves, the country will need to build giant batteries and interstate power lines to help deal with days where one area might not get enough sun or wind. All told, Heal estimates the project will run into the trillions of dollars over 34... years.