Evgeny Adamov - 2004 Jun: Innovative "fast" nuclear power plants offer solutions for environmental, political, and technical issues. This article reviews the advantages of fast nuclear reactors as seen from a Russian viewpoint. Using nuclear fission to produce electricity has developed quickly, but has not dominated the energy generation industry. Military, political, environmental, and financial factors have both encouraged and constrained it. Shortages of carbon fuels, global warming, and the proliferation of nuclear weapons are all influencing the advance of nuclear electrical power. Its future depends on many factors outside the realm of strictly commercial business. Energy independence is driving its expansion in some states. Introducing safe electrical power into energy-poor regions may turn out to be the most effective means for establishing peace in these areas. Fast nuclear reactors solve all the problems of today's thermal reactors: fuel is used efficiently, used fuel is easily managed, safe operation is guaranteed, and weapon's proliferation is stopped. This makes possible an international program to improve the world's living standards.