Unfinished nuclear power station Armintza

In 1984, Spain put a moratorium on the building of new nuclear power stations and on completing those under construction. Renewed in 1992, the moratorium left five plants, including that of Armintza, in an unfinished state. The country has nine nuclear power stations, which meet 30 percent of its electricity needs. European countries remain divided over the nuclear question. France, which with fifty-nine has the most nuclear reactors, has committed itself to this energy source, which provides 72 percent of its electricity. Austria, Denmark, and Italy, on the other hand, have virtually abandoned it. In the United States, nuclear power is the primary source for 15 percent of electricity generated. Although nuclear energy allows emissions of greenhouse gas to be reduced while renewable energy sources are developed, it comes with a variety of other risks, such as those related to radioactive waste, nuclear accidents, and terrorist attack. Whatever policy is adopted, the uranium that powers nuclear reactors is not renewable. If we want to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions—which could triple by 2100 and quadruple by 2150 if nothing is done—we must reduce our energy consumption.