Nuclear EnergyIt seems that the world as a whole is looking for a source of energy that is cleaner, cheaper and more efficient. This appears to be especially true in the United States, where the government seeks to separate itself from its dependence on oil from countries including those in the Middle East. Their agenda, unfortunately, is less concerned with environmental issues than with issues of power, money and domination. In any case, nuclear energy has emerged as the forerunner of alternative energy sources. Today, there are 109 nuclear power plants in the United States contributing approximately 20 percent of the energy used in the United States (Nuclear Energy, April 13, 2005). Nuclear fission is performed by fusing hydrogen into helium. This is done by using uranium, plutonium or thorium and placing them into the reactor, which starts a chain reaction capable of producing large amounts of energy. Uranium is the element mainly used in reactors. The fission of a single atom can produce 10 million times the amount of energy that an atom burning from coal can produce. Uranium is an abundant element that can be easily found and mined. However, it often has to undergo a relatively cheap refining process, as the isotopes are found mixed in nature. Nuclear fission is also relatively clean, as excess CO2 is not produced, as occurs in the burning of coal and oil. However, it contains pollutants. Every two years it is necessary to replace the filter canes used and dispose of the old canes. Because the rods are highly radioactive, their disposal must be handled meticulously. Currently most of the rods are shipped to Yucca Mountain (The Bane of Nuclear Energy, April 13, 2005). Despite the advantages of nuclear fission, the search continues for an even better energy source. Hopes for the new energy source are pinned on a process known as nuclear fusion. This is the process that occurs on the sun and other stars under intense heat and pressure. The hope is that nuclear fusion will become a reality here on earth as it will provide an unprecedented amount of energy, at a very low price and with minimal pollution..