Nuclear Renaissance Technologies and Policies for the Future of Nuclear Power

Nuclear power is low carbon and reliable, but in recent years it has struggled to play a strong role in global plans for electricity generation in the 21st century. 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. In the UK policy makers must recognise concerns around severe accidents and radioactive wastes and balance these against the risks arising from other energy technologies. In addition, energy policy-makers must ensure that energy supplies remain affordable for all in society. How might new nuclear power stations help meet emerging policy needs? This second edition of Nuclear Renaissance: Technologies and Policies for the Future of Nuclear Power continues to examine the future of nuclear power in the contexts of economics, environmental sustainability, and security of electricity supplies. Fully updated with the latest technologies and concerns, this comprehensive guide illustrates 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, to provide additional power or to contribute to the decarbonisation of especially challenging industrial activities. In the 2020s many commentators, once again, point to a renaissance 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. Key features Fully updated throughout, with new content on topics including the latest developments in fission and fusion energy, the global financial crisis of 2008/2009, and the Fukushima-Daiichi nuclear accident. Accessible to readers without a formal education in the area Authored by an authority in the field

Part I. Introduction. Chapter 1. Beginnings. Chapter 2. Nuclear Renaissance: Progress and Prospects. Part II. The Policy Landscape. Chapter 3. Issues in Energy Policy. Chapter 4. The Issues Facing New Nuclear Build. Chapter 5. Nucelar Waste Management. Part III. Nuclear Fission Technologies. Chapter 6. Water-cooled Reactors. Chapter 7. High-temperature Reactors. Chapter 8. Advanced Fission Technologies and Systems. Part IV. Nuclear Fusion Technologies. Chapter 9. Fusion: An Introduction.

William Nuttall is Professor of Energy at the Open University. He is a specialist concerning the technology and policy issues of energy. He has a particular long-standing focus on matters of nuclear energy. Professor Nuttall’s career started in experimental physics and this technical background informs his interests in energy and technology issues. He has been an author, or editor, of nine books and has published more than 80 journal articles. He is an experienced commentator for the media and he has offered advice to parliamentary, governmental and inter-governmental institutions. He is a Fellow of the Institute of Physics, a Fellow of Hughes Hall, a college of the University of Cambridge and a Non-Resident Fellow of the Payne Institute for Public Policy at Colorado School of Mines.