For the first time since the Arab oil boycott of 1973, there is a strong need for new electrical capacity in the United States. For nuclear power to emerge (or reemerge) to meet this need will require a solid, economic nuclear plant product, continued safe operation of nuclear plants, the removal of institutional barriers (in particular, the cleanup of our nuclear licensing system), and public realization of the need for nuclear power. This last factor is key, but in view of the worldwide nature of our future energy problems, there are already signs that the public is perceiving the need for nuclear power.