Nuclear

The world today has witnessed both the tremendous benefits and dire consequences of the awesome powers and secrets of nuclear technology.  From the supply of electricity to the creation of a weapon of mass destruction, nuclear energy has played a vital role in harnessing the best and the worst of mankind.  Uranium, the principal element involved in exploiting nuclear energy, is a relatively abundant element that occurs naturally in the earth's crust. Uranium oxide is more abundant than gold and silver, and about as common as tin.

Nuclear power today accounts for approximately 8% of the world's primary commercial energy needs, providing about 17% of its electricity.   As of 1 January 2003, there were 441 nuclear power plants in operation, with a total net installed capacity of 359 GW(e), and 32 power plants under construction. World total nuclear electricity generation was about 2574 TWh.  In 2002, 16 countries produced over 99 percent of the world's total uranium production. Canada and Australia's uranium mines account for over 50 percent.


Demand for electricity is set to rise by approximately 50% over the next 25 years, mainly as a result of the economic expansion forecasts in the developing world.  Recent trends suggest that nuclear power may slowly lose its place as a principal provider of electricity, mainly due to retiring nuclear plants and associated political motivations.  Another factor which is likely to affect the future of nuclear power and which has become a prominent issue in the media is the controversial issue of nuclear weapons.