New pre-print paper: Potential and Challenges of Expanded Nuclear Energy

January, 2023

Nuclear fission reactors have long been part of the world energy supply, and provide about 2-percent of total annual world energy. The contribution as steam-produced grid electricity is about 10 percent of annual world electricity and over 20 percent of US annual grid electricity. This overview-summary speaks to the potential and challenges of much-expanded nuclear energy deployment.

Shippingport, PA. – May 1958

The potential and challenges for nuclear energy – for electricity and more broadly heat for industry – are considered in light of the worldwide energy transition that is focusing heavily on solar and wind primary energy sources to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Nuclear energy – although less promoted in the on-going energy transition – has an opportunity to contribute much toward reducing emissions. Expanded nuclear energy is advocated by many, but often without complete consideration of the challenges that must be overcome to enable such expansion.

The overview-summary discusses the opportunities and challenges and draws on numerous previous publications and presentations, and most importantly on experience with nuclear technology. It seems clear that nuclear energy is a key part of the energy transition. Better public understanding based on facts can help to remove misconceptions and negative concerns and advance nuclear energy; nuclear energy is indeed important. Download paper here. 🌎