Nuclear energy in the twenty-first century: Examination of a contentious subject

The worldwide future of nuclear energy is a highly disputed subject; one side is certain that nuclear energy will have to expand in the next century to meet energy demand, whereas the other side is equally certain that this energy form is too dangerous and uneconomical to be of longer-term use. By looking at the way such beliefs are formed, the history of nuclear power, and the energy scene in the next century, this paper tests both points of view and concludes that both are flawed, but there is a strong case for keeping the option for nuclear expansion open. Yet, there has to be doubt whether today's technology is adequate for such expansion. There are alternative technologies under development that may make nuclear power more acceptable; however, although there is the time to develop such new processes, the question has to be asked whether such work can be funded, unless public opposition to nuclear power can be reduced and international collaboration improved. The long-term future of nuclear power depends more on successful research and development than on achieving early orders for more nuclear plants.