ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on nuclear energy, a technologically advanced power segment that merits our attention. Readers will virtually walk through a nuclear power plant, and revisit the notion of critical infrastructure and energy security in this highly specialized energy segment that is used for both military and commercial electricity purposes. Nuclear power derives from dividing atoms of uranium, plutonium, thorium, etc. by fission (i.e., the splitting of a nucleus) or fusion (i.e., the joining of nuclei) processes in order to generate electricity. The book addresses recent developments and trends, such as the decommissioning of several older fission reactors, and groundbreaking experiments on fusion energy.
Over the past decades nuclear energy was the privilege of the few elite nations. The 21st century brought a new era for nuclear energy, as a growing number of partnerships among technology-savvy nations and developing economies aim to further advance our understanding of nuclear energy capabilities. Global nuclear energy strategies are also discussed, such as the replacement of existing plants and the active construction of new reactors but also smaller plants.
The Advantages, Risks, and Recommendations section encompasses safety and security issues. Finally, case studies of global partnerships, plants, and strategic security goals are presented to highlight the distinct footprint of nuclear energy.
