An overview of nuclear power

Nuclear power is more than ever subject to debate: with the push to reduce carbon emissions and the increasing demand in energy, nuclear may seem an ideal way to meet both concerns. However, the environmental and safety hazards associated with nuclear are not negligible and are an important factor to take into account in decisions to proceed with nuclear power as a source of energy. In addition, the power sector is at a point where provision must be made to replace the ageing nuclear fleet: first and second generation reactors are coming to their life end are due to be decommissioned in the next ten to twenty years. Governments are faced with the decision of either replacing them with new-generation reactors, or investing in other energy sources, namely renewables. Understanding the future of nuclear power requires one to know its history and current status in terms of market, available technologies and developments. The paper therefore reviews the important developments of nuclear power reactors throughout history, the current status of nuclear in the world and the evolving markets. This informative paper will therefore include discussions of subjects such as nuclear technology, reactors and licencing, partnerships between countries, technology providers, perception of nuclear in different countries and emergence of new markets. The discussion on reactor technology will focus on Generation III reactors, currently being implemented, and Generation IV reactors being developed. The discussion provides a broad, informed overview of the nuclear sector, identifying key players, current developments, and current and future technology.