# Progress, Challenges, and Sustainable Perspectives in Nuclear Energy Strategies
## 1 Introduction
In the future, the role of nuclear energy will depend on technological advances, such as Generation IV reactors, and on political, economic, and environmental factors, while renewables are emerging as the most economical and sustainable option in the long term [32]. To all these strategies, advances, challenges, and sustainable perspectives around nuclear energy as a source of electricity generation, it is necessary to add public perception [33]. Public perception of nuclear energy is a complex and dynamic issue that has evolved significantly over time [19; 34]. Historically, public opinion has been strongly influenced by events, such as the Three Mile Island, Chernobyl, and Fukushima accidents [35; 36; 37], which generated fears about the safety and risks associated with this technology. Although recent years have seen a gradual shift in public perception toward nuclear power in many countries, driven by growing concern about climate change, the need for emission-free energy sources, and their potential contribution to energy security, the nuclear industry faces the challenge of overcoming negative stereotypes ingrained in popular culture [38; 39]. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) [40; 41] and other authors provide a comprehensive and up-to-date overview of the challenges and opportunities of nuclear power in the context of climate change and energy transition [30; 42]. A schematic representation is included in Figure 1: (i) Technological advances: highlighting the role of small modular reactors (SMRs), and their potential development and deployment; (ii) Public perception: this is implicitly addressed by mentioning the need to maintain the credibility of the agency; (iii) Economic factors: the report examines the difficulties facing nuclear investment, especially in advanced economies; (iv) Waste management: this is mentioned as one of the challenges facing nuclear investment; (v) Climate change mitigation: the report explores in depth the potential role of nuclear power as a source of low-emission electricity to complement the leading role of renewables in the transition to net-zero emission electricity systems; and (vi) International relations: it discusses how nuclear power is contributing significantly to climate change mitigation and adaptation while supporting sustainable development. In conclusion, the nuclear sector is at a turning point, with technological advances and renewed political support that could drive a new era of nuclear development. However, future success will depend on the sector's ability to effectively address persistent challenges, particularly in terms of safety, costs, public perception, and waste management. In view of this scenario, the research question (RQ) for this study could be formulated as follows: _Do technological advances, economic developments and sustainability perspectives play a key role in the evolution of global nuclear energy strategies throughout the 21 st century_. Considering all the above, this bibliometric review comprehensively examines the current landscape of the nuclear sector and its prospects, providing a comprehensive and objective overview based on quantitative analysis of the most recent scientific and technical literature. This systematic approach enables the identification of emerging trends, areas of innovation, and persistent challenges in key nuclear-related fields. By synthesizing and analyzing data from multiple academic and technical sources, this bibliometric study not only provides a solid basis for understanding the current state of the nuclear sector, but also stands as a valuable tool for informing and guiding strategic decision-making in energy policy, R&D investment, and long-term planning in the nuclear energy field.