From EnergyBiz Insider, we liked seeing this article on the pressing need for new nuclear construction and a continued Governmental role to maintain momentum in this crucial energy space for the country. Here are snippets:

Nuclear developers and some utility companies are imploring the American government to proceed with new nuclear construction in the wake of the Japanese crisis, noting that much can be learned. During this phase, they say it is critical to maintain the previous momentum.

And they quote our CEO, Jacques Besnainou:

“Nothing has changed,” says Jacques Besnainou, chief executive of Areva North America, in an interview with this writer, referring to the recent events in Japan. “This event will make nuclear safer. We bet on the U.S. 10 years ago and we think it is still a good bet. Fukushima will not delay the renaissance.”

Any delays in nuclear construction will be a function of the economic downturn and its effect on energy demand — not the events tied to Japan, the executive said. The way to move ahead, he adds, is to get government assistance to build the first few modern nuclear facilities by 2020….

“Hoover Dam was not built by Wall Street,” he says. “This is why we have a government. It does not mean because it is harder, we should not do it. Once a nuclear plant is built, I can guarantee the cost of power, unlike a natural gas plant.”