Those without affordable energy are at a disadvantage in an increasingly globalized economy. The current Japanese nuclear crisis once again highlights the risks inherent in this essential energy source. But it should not dissuade nations from using or pursuing nuclear energy to generate electricity, given the threat from climate change, the health risks of fossil fuels and the underdeveloped state of renewable energy. Instead, events at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant should direct more attention to ensuring that nuclear power plants meet the highest standards of safety and protection against natural disasters. More than 30 nations have commercial nuclear power plants. Two dozen more are interested in having them, including many in earthquake-prone areas such as Indonesia, Malaysia and Türkiye. If energy is expensive due to insufficient supply or high generation costs, the consumer suffers. This can mean lower productivity, slower business and employment growth, lower wages and lower living standards. Energy is an active part of everything we do or produce. Approximately 14% of all electricity produced globally comes in the form of commercial nuclear energy (Tabak 129). Some projections suggest that by the end of this century electricity will make up 80% of energy consumption. Much of that increase will come from the development of electric vehicles. The world must increase its energy supplies by 350% by the end of this century to meet the growing expectations of aspirants. According to 2008 research, the world consumes approximately $16 billion of electricity per day (Miller 110-115). Although estimates vary, nuclear energy may become the majority of energy production. Indeed, even in terms of its share of electricity generation, nuclear energy will lag far behind coal and gas combined without the development of nuclear power generation.