Materials Today · 2008 · 204 citations · 0 references
EngineeringNuclear EngineeringCorrosion ScienceNuclear MaterialsNuclear Safety AnalysisCorrosion ControlCorrosion EngineeringCorrosion In Nuclear SystemsCorrosion-resistant MaterialsReactor Core DesignReactor DesignCorrosion Of Nuclear MetalsDesign Life EstimationNuclear Power StationsPower GenerationRadiation-induced Corrosion
In the context of global warming, nuclear energy is a carbon-free source of power and so is a meaningful option for energy production without CO2 emissions. Currently, there are more than 440 commercial nuclear reactors, accounting for about 15% of electric power generation in the world, and there has not been a major accident in over 20 years. The world's fleet of nuclear power plants is, on average, more than 20 years old. Even though the design life of a nuclear power plant is typically 30 or 40 years, it is quite feasible that many nuclear power plants will be able to operate for longer than this.