Nuclear Energy
Nuclear energy is energy in the nucleus, or core, of an atom. Atoms are tiny particles that make up every object in the universe. Bonds that hold atoms together contain large amounts of energy that is released in the form of heat in two ways: nuclear fusion and nuclear fission.
In nuclear fusion, atoms release energy as they combine or fuse together to form a larger atom. For instance, this is how the sun produces energy.
In nuclear fission, atoms release energy as they split apart to form smaller atoms. As the atom fragments hit other atoms, they also split, which produces more heat. Nuclear power plants use nuclear fission to produce electricity.
Nuclear power is an important source of energy in many countries. In 2005, 16 countries got more than 25% of their electricity from nuclear plants. Lithuania, France, Slovakia, and Belgium rely on nuclear power for more than 50% of its total electric power. The United States and United Kingdom each generate nearly 20% of the total electricity consumed using nuclear sources. [Source: US Department of Energy, International Energy Outlook, 2006.]
Higher oil and gas prices make alternatives such as nuclear power more attractive and are expected to lead to growth in nuclear generating capacity worldwide. Improvements in reactor design enhance safety, increase efficiency, and reduce costs, making nuclear generation an economically attractive source of energy.
Environmental concerns about the disposal of spent nuclear fuel persist, and countries are addressing those concerns in different ways. The US is developing a disposal facility on government property, but this solution is itself controversial.
