[en] It is shown that since nuclear energy can replace that derived from CO₂ producing fossil fuels, its risks should be considered to be environmentally positive if analysed in the context of world industrial activity. A comparison is made with its realistic alternatives, coal and gas, in terms of the environmental impact, their potential to generate electricity and their safety risks. The others energy sources are considered to be insufficient within the foreseeable future. It is estimated that the principal players in the generation of electricity will continue to be coal and nuclear, with gas picking up some pace in the medium term as public concerns inhibit the former two