Nuclear Energy: Principles, Practices, and Prospects

As energy resources, particularly fossil fuels, become strained, nuclear energy (despite its known shortcomings) must be considered as an alternative. This book presents an objective view of nuclear energy as an important source for future energy needs. It discusses various types of reactors, the nuclear fuel cycle, the problem of nuclear waste disposal, reactor accidents, safety and new types of reactors that are being considered, and the cost of electricity from nuclear power. Additional themes include the problem of nuclear weapons, their storage, and, very important, their disposal as nuclear arsenals are pared down.

This new edition has been brought up to date throughout, with new data, figures, and tables added. The chapter on costs of electricity has been shortened, simplified, and revised to make reference to the changes caused by the electricity deregulation. A motivating introductory chapter, and a new chapter on nuclear waste disposal at Yucca Mountain have been added.