(44e) Nuclear Energy Beyond the Core: A Wider Perspective

Nuclear power provides almost 20% of U.S. domestic electricity production, and yet no new commercial nuclear reactors have been commissioned in more than 30 years. A number of new construction applications have been filed, but not enough new plants are planned to even maintain nuclear power's share of the power market in the long run. More support is needed from business and the public before a greater number of new plants can be expected. Superior operation of existing nuclear reactors, by itself, is not sufficient to win the needed support. Here it is offered that a better result by the industry may be achieved by providing more application options (more utility) for nuclear reactors; adopting clearer waste handling, treatment and disposal strategies by embracing the green mantra "reduce, reuse, and recycle" and adopting a more systematized approach to security in the design of nuclear processes. This presentation will discuss these aspects, and describe initiatives being pursued by the U.S. DOE and others to advance the larger state of the art of nuclear energy.