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60 Years of U: Perspectives on resources, demand, and the evolving role of nuclear energy
Recent years have seen growing global interest in nuclear energy and rising confidence in the sector. For the first time since the early 2000s, there is renewed optimism about the industry’s future. This change is driven by several major factors: geopolitical developments that highlight the need for secure energy supplies, a stronger focus on resilient energy systems, national commitments to decarbonization, and rising demand for clean and reliable electricity.
Neill P. Taylor
Fusion Science and Technology | Volume 47 | Number 4 | May 2005 | Pages 959-966
Technical Paper | Fusion Energy - Tritium, Safety, and Environment | doi.org/10.13182/FST05-A812
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
Studies of the safety and environmental impacts of fusion, both of future power plants and of ITER, have shown that a good performance can be achieved. Although it is difficult to anticipate the regulatory regime in which future fusion power stations will be licensed, the areas of public and occupational safety and short and long-term environmental impact are likely to remain important. In each of these areas, the outcome of various studies have been reviewed, leading to a list of issues which should be given attention to facilitate eventual licensing of a fusion power plant. Many of these relate to reducing conservatisms and uncertainties in the analyses, but also included are improved understanding of tritium retention and of dust generation, and development of materials to provide long component lifetimes. A full appraisal is also recommended of the viability of recycling of active materials after end of plant life.