ABSTRACT
The basis of nuclear power is the fission process. This fission process is the splitting of an atom's nucleus, releasing energy in the form of heat, which can be converted, through a steam turbine and generator, into electricity. Uranium (U) found in the Earth's crust contains about one part of U to 140 parts of U. Of the kinds of reactor based on natural U the Canadian Deuterium U reactor is one of the foremost. This material must retain the radioactive fission products in the fuel, and yet not hinder the chain reaction process through neutron absorption. In contrast to the American programme, the Canadian programme has been run essentially by a government corporation with very little autonomy on the part of commercial enterprises. All nuclear power reactors are intended to be used to supply continuous base-load to the grid system.
