The use of nuclear energy for the generation of electricity started in the 1950s and was viewed, at the time, as a source of virtually free power. Development flourished and some countries adopted the nuclear option as their principal source for producing electrical energy. However, a series of nuclear incidents and concern about the treatment of…

A senior nuclear physicist examines the status of nuclear power in the 1980s, projects the future beyond 2030, and argues that the world cannot do without nuclear fission. (BT)

The purpose of this activity is to make students aware that there is no free energy source for the present or the future and that all technologies are potential threats to the environment. The activity consists of a short reading (discussing basic trade-offs, issues, and decisions related to petroleum, coal, and nuclear energy sources) and student…

This article reports the status of nuclear power production internationally. Topics discussed include the fuel cycle, environmental aspects, developing countries, and safeguards systems. It is recommended that the development of nuclear energy should be swift to avoid a worldwide energy crisis by the end of the century. (MA)

This publication is the sixth in a series of papers on global environmental issues. This paper evaluates the future of nuclear power, subjecting it to several tests: (1) economics; (2) safety; (3) adequacy of fuel supplies; (4) environmental impact; and (5) both national and international security. Section headings include: (1) The nuclear fuel…

In 1980, the American Petroleum Institute published the first edition of "Two Energy Futures." It described the U.S. energy experience of the 1970s and prospects for the 1980s, concluding that the nation could drastically reduce its dependence on uncertain sources of imported oil if the right choices were made by individuals and the…

This 17-chapter book (which may also be used as a textbook) provides a thorough insight into the basic facts about energy as well as new and transitional technologies such as synthetic fuels. The book also helps examine the economic, societal, and political aspects of the energy situation in detail, consistently providing technical data to support…

The purpose of this module is to engage students (grades 7-8) in examining issues that underlie the "energy crisis" and in considering value aspects involved in decisions regarding energy consumption, distribution, sources, and other energy-related issues. The module is comprised of three parts, each focusing on a current, major source…

"Energy: Decisions for Today and Tomorrow" is one of the "Preparing for Tomorrow's World" (PTW) program modules. PTW is an interdisciplinary, future-oriented program incorporating information from the sciences and social sciences and addressing societal concerns which interface science/technology/society. The program promotes…