Nuclear energy basics

Abstract

In the first part of the paper, the basic features of nuclear fission and fusion energy are addressed. In the second part, an overview of energy consumption in the world is presented, which highlights the growing need for electricity from non-CO₂ emitting sources, among which nuclear power is expected to play a role. The perspectives for the future of nuclear energy are then discussed, showing that it develops mostly in emerging countries and the small modular reactors are likely to have an increasing role. The third part is devoted to the question of nuclear waste management and to the non-radioactive environmental impact of nuclear energy in comparison with other sources of energy.