Final answer:
The United States has more nuclear reactors, but France supplies a higher percentage of its electrical needs with nuclear energy. This disparity can be explained by differences in government policies, energy mix, and infrastructure.
Step-by-step explanation:
The difference in the percentage of electrical needs supplied by nuclear energy between the United States and France can be attributed to a variety of factors including government policies, energy mix, and infrastructure. While the United States has more than double the number of nuclear reactors compared to France, it only supplies 19% of its electrical needs from nuclear energy. On the other hand, France relies heavily on nuclear power and supplies 75% of its electricity from nuclear energy.
One key reason for this disparity is the difference in government policies and preferences. France made a strategic decision in the 1970s to invest heavily in nuclear energy as a way to reduce its dependency on imported oil and gas. As a result, they developed a robust nuclear infrastructure and set up a standardized reactor design, which enabled them to efficiently produce a large amount of electricity from nuclear energy.
In contrast, the United States has a more diversified energy mix and has not prioritized nuclear energy to the same extent. The country has a variety of alternative sources of energy, including coal, natural gas, and renewable sources, which contribute to its overall energy production. Additionally, concerns about safety, waste disposal, and public perception have influenced the development and expansion of nuclear power in the United States.