Oct 29, 2024 · Nuclear power reactors produce energy by initiating and controlling a sustained nuclear chain reaction. Currently, over 400 such reactors in 32 countries provide about 10 per cent of the world’s electricity. The IAEA fosters an international information exchange and collaboration on technological innovations in different reactor technologies.

Nov 15, 2022 · Nuclear power is a low-carbon source of energy, because unlike coal, oil or gas power plants, nuclear power plants practically do not produce CO 2 during their operation. Nuclear reactors generate close to one-third of the world’s carbon free electricity and are crucial in meeting climate change goals.

Sep 13, 2023 · Small modular reactors (SMRs) are advanced nuclear reactors that have a power capacity of up to 300 MW(e) per unit, which is about one-third of the generating capacity of traditional nuclear power reactors. SMRs, which can produce a …

International Project on Innovative Nuclear Reactors and Fuel Cycles (INPRO) Together for More Women in Nuclear; NUTEC Plastics; Peaceful Uses Initiative (PUI) Rays of Hope; The SMR Platform and Nuclear Harmonization and Standardization Initiative (NHSI) Zoonotic Disease Integrated Action (ZODIAC)

It contains summarized information as of the end of 2023 on power reactors operating, under construction and shut down as well as performance data on reactors operating in the IAEA Member States. The information is collected through designated national correspondents in the Member States and the data are used to maintain the IAEA's Power ...

Sep 16, 2024 · At the end of 2023, 413 nuclear power reactors were operational, with a global capacity of 371.5 GW(e). In the high case scenario of the new IAEA outlook, nuclear electrical generating capacity is projected to increase to 950 gigawatts by 2050. In this case, global capacity in 2050 would be slightly more than 2.5 times what it was in 2023.

Mar 13, 2023 · Another advantage is that thorium-fuelled reactors could be much more environmentally friendly than their uranium counterparts. In addition to the fact that these reactors — and nuclear power in general — do not emit greenhouse gases in operation, they also produce less long-lived nuclear waste than present-day uranium-fuelled reactors.

Feb 1, 2023 · Zirconium is indispensable in the production of nuclear energy, particularly as a cladding for long cylindrical fuel rods inside nuclear reactors. There are several reasons why zirconium is an optimal material to surround uranium pellets: the metal is exceptionally resistant to corrosion and high temperatures, and it absorbs very few of the ...

Jul 4, 2024 · Water Cooled Reactors (WCRs) have been the cornerstone of the nuclear industry in the 20th century. Of the currently operating 442 reactors, 96 per cent are water-cooled. Many of these plants were originally licensed to operate for 40 years, but through advances in knowledge, the lives of these plants are now being extended to 60 years, with a ...

Jan 23, 2024 · Research reactors play an important role in the development of nuclear science and technology. They are used for basic research, radioisotope production, neutron scattering and radiography, and material characterization and testing.