Except for the genets, caracals and other exotic wildlife ranging in the surrounding nature preserve, the pair of nuclear power reactors at Koeberg, South Africa, look much like their squat, domed counterparts dotting the United States. The basic technology is the same: beneath steel-reinforced concrete domes, the fission of uranium fuel generates turbine-driving steam.

Just like the United States, South Africa is also weighing difficult choices about how to meet future energy needs. The African nation doesn't have much hydroelectric or natural-gas capacity. Coal is plentiful but dirty to mine and burn--and most of it is located too far from coastal population centers to make economic sense. And as in the U.S., many in South Africa believe nuclear power has a place in the future mix.