The Nuclear Effect on Carbon Capture Plans

As the Fukushima crisis throws a question mark over nuclear energy use, many European countries are trying to accelerate the development of technology that cleans carbon dioxide emissions from conventional fuel plants. "The use of coal in some countries like China and India is actually growing," European Union Energy Commissioner Günther Oettinger said at the Mar. 1 inauguration of a carbon capture project in Italy. "If we can prove that this technology is safe and reliable, we will have a product that we can export in countries where coal production remains key."

Nuclear energy, which offers homegrown low-carbon power to nations that use it, took a blow from Fukushima, especially in Europe. Germany halted 25 percent of its nuclear capacity and may close its oldest plants permanently after the Green party surged in Mar. 27 state elections. Switzerland shelved plans for new reactors, the U.K. said it may delay plans, and Italy is holding off on its newly launched nuclear program.