Nuclear Energy Today [electronic resource] /
Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.
Nuclear Energy Agency.
Paris : OECD Publishing,
2003.
Meeting the growing demand for energy, and electricity in particular, while addressing the need to curb greenhouse gas emissions and to ensure security of energy supply, is one of the most difficult challenges facing the world’s economies. No single technology can respond to this challenge, and the solution which policy makers are seeking lies in the diversification of energy sources.  Although nuclear energy currently provides over 20% of electricity in the OECD area and does not emit any carbon dioxide during production, it continues to be seen by many as a controversial technology. Public concern remains over its safety and the management of radioactive waste, and financing such a capital-intensive technology is a complex issue. The role that nuclear power will play in the future depends on the answers to these questions, several of which are provided in this up-to-date review of the status of nuclear energy, as well as on the outcome of research and development on the nuclear fuel cycle and reactor technologies.
Description based upon print version of record.
Introduction; Foreword; CONTENTS; 1. Overview of Nuclear Energy Today; 2. Basic Principles of Nuclear Energy; Nuclear fission; Basic components of nuclear reactors; Reactor technologies; Nuclear fusion; 3. The Nuclear Fuel Cycle; The front end; The back end; Decommissioning; 4. Management of Radioactive Waste; Radioactive waste types; Waste management principles; Waste management practice; Geological disposal of long-lived waste; Transport; Societal and policy considerations; 5. Nuclear Safety; Basic elements of nuclear safety; Operating experience; Impact of market deregulation on safety
Safety aspects of future reactors6. Radiological Protection; Scientific and medical background; The radiological protection system and its regulatory basis; Accident response; Accident recovery; 7. The Economics of Nuclear Energy; Costs, risks and liabilities; Competitive aspects; 8. International Nuclear Law and Non-proliferation; International nuclear law; Non-proliferation; 9. Nuclear Energy and Sustainable Development; Energy demand; Nuclear energy and sustainable development; 10. The Future of Nuclear Energy; Alternative uses of nuclear energy; Research and development; Conclusions
GlossaryFor Further Information; Lists of figures, tables and photo credits
Includes bibliographical references (pages 103-108).
Meeting the growing demand for energy, and electricity in particular, while addressing the need to curb greenhouse gas emissions and to ensure security of energy supply, is one of the most difficult challenges facing the world’s economies. No single technology can respond to this challenge, and the solution which policy makers are seeking lies in the diversification of energy sources.  Although nuclear energy currently provides over 20% of electricity in the OECD area and does not emit any carbon dioxide during production, it continues to be seen by many as a controversial technology. Public concern remains over its safety and the management of radioactive waste, and financing such a capital-intensive technology is a complex issue. The role that nuclear power will play in the future depends on the answers to these questions, several of which are provided in this up-to-date review of the status of nuclear energy, as well as on the outcome of research and development on the nuclear fuel cycle and reactor technologies.
Nuclear energy.
Nuclear Development