The high cost and large capital expenditures associated with the construction of nuclear
reactors makes the technology vastly more expensive and risky than alternative approaches to meeting the need for electricity. Because nuclear reactor projects are extremely complex and involve significant environmental and safety concerns, they are prone to cost overruns and other implementation risks. Their huge size and long lead times mean that marketplace or policy developments can eliminate the need for much of their capacity. Because of these characteristics, utilities cannot raise sufficient funds in capital markets to build them.