Trends in the nuclear fuel cycle Economic, environmental and social aspects

Abstract

Nuclear energy has been part of the world’s energy mix for almost fifty years. However, over the past thirty years increased public concern over this form of energy has resulted in socio-political constraints on its use. At the same time, while over these past thirty years the world was able to cope with an increasing energy demand by relying more on fossil fuels, growing consideration for achieving sustainable development and alleviating climate change has led to renewed interest in the potential role of nuclear energy in the world’s future energy supply mix.