Nuttal W.J. Nuclear Renaissance: Technologies and Policies for the Future of Nuclear Power

IOP Publishing Ltd, Bristol and Philadelphia, 2005, 311 pages, ISBN: 0750309369With growing concerns over environmental issues and global energy consumption, there is increasing interest in nuclear power generation, despite its diminished role in the West over the last few decades. Many of those involved with nuclear power and environmental agencies see controlled expansion of nuclear plants as the most environmentally friendly way of meeting growing energy demands.Nuclear Renaissance: Technologies and Policies for the Future of Nuclear Power examines the future of nuclear power in the contexts of economics, environmental sustainability, and security of electricity supplies. A range of future technologies is considered, illustrating the technical challenges and opportunities facing nuclear power.This semi-technical overview of modern technologies meets the growing interest from scientists, environmentalists, and governments in the potential expansion of nuclear power. Various countries are starting to announce plans for new nuclear plants, either to replace those being decommissioned or to provide additional power. Many commentators regard this renaissance as just beginning.Nuclear Renaissance: Technologies and Policies for the Future of Nuclear Power is essential reading for physicists, engineers, policy-makers, researchers, energy analysts and graduate students in energy sciences, engineering and public policy.Foreword
The nuclear renaissance—an introductionThe Policy Landscape
Issues in energy policy
Nuclear electricity generation
Nuclear waste managementNuclear Fission Technologies
Water-cooled reactors
High-temperature gas-cooled reactors
Nuclear waste burners
Generation IVNuclear Fusion Technologies
Fusion: an introduction
Magnetic confinement fusion—future technologies
Inertial confinement fusionAfterword