Decommissioning Introduction All nuclear facilities have a finite operating life. For commercial nuclear power plants, this is typically 30 – 60 years. Around the world, over 115 commercial power reactors, 48 experimental or prototype reactors, and 250 research reactors have ceased operation1. Nuclear decommissioning is the process following the useful lifespan of a nuclear facility.…
Energy Nuclear energy is a key component of the energy mix around the world. There are more than 400 nuclear power plants in operation, seventy under construction and several dozen new projects are under study. How does a nuclear power plant work? A nuclear power plant can be compared to a steam engine. But, unlike…
Food and agricultureNuclear technology for food and agriculture It is expected that by 2050, the world’s population will have increased by one-third, with the highest increase occurring in developing countries; and with it, our needs for sustainable food and water as well. Nuclear technologies provide competitive and often unique solutions to help fight hunger and…
Industrial applications Nuclear technology is a major contributor to industrial development and it is present in many aspects of our daily lives. Neutron Transmutation Doped silicon: The What, why and how Computers, wind turbines, photovoltaic panels, high-speed trains, hybrid cars: all these applications use doped silicon in their electronic circuits. Silicon is naturally present in…
Innovation The applications of nuclear are continually being furthered by innovative research. Clean energy futures In order to provide a reliable baseload supply to the energy grid which is also a clean, low carbon source of energy, nuclear power is required. Three generations of nuclear reactors have provided clean electricity for over 50 years, however…
MedicalWhat is nuclear medicine? Medical applications of nuclear technology are used all over the world. Every year, 30 million people benefit from a diagnostic procedure or treatment by nuclear medicine for at least 60 different pathologies- and these numbers are steadily increasing. These medical applications save lives. They are now used in the fight against…
What is radioactivity? Radioactivity is a natural phenomenon that has existed since the origins of the Earth. It is present everywhere: in the water, the air, the soil and the biota. The human being itself is radioactive. There are two types of radioactivity: natural radioactivity and artificial radioactivity, also known as induced or man-made radioactivity…
Nuclear safety Safety is the priority for the European nuclear industry. Maintaining a high level of safety is non-negotiable for the long-term operation of existing nuclear power plants, for new-build projects and for gaining public acceptance of and confidence in nuclear technology. In every country that has a nuclear programme or is embarking on one,…
