Nuclear power reactors, reactor types and technologies | IAEA
Sep 23, 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.
What is Nuclear Energy? The Science of Nuclear Power
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.
What are Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)? - International Atomic …
Sep 13, 2023 · Small – physically a fraction of the size of a conventional nuclear power reactor. Modular – making it possible for systems and components to be factory-assembled and transported as a unit to a location for installation. Reactors – harnessing nuclear fission to generate heat to produce energy. Learn more about nuclear fission and energy.
Water cooled nuclear reactors (WCR) | IAEA
May 9, 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 ...
Advanced Reactors Information System (ARIS) | IAEA
The IAEA's Advanced Reactors Information System (ARIS) is a web-accessible database that provides Members States with balanced, comprehensive and up-to-date information about advanced nuclear plant designs and concepts. Member States, both those considering their first nuclear power plant and ...
Large Reactors Poised to Lead the Nuclear Power Expansion as …
The 1970s saw a boom in nuclear power expansion, driven mainly by North America and Europe. In 1970, 15 countries operated 90 nuclear power reactors with a total capacity of 16.5 GW(e). Throughout the 1970s, construction started on 25–30 new nuclear units annually. By 1980, 22 countries operated 253 nuclear power reactors with 135 GW(e) of ...
still valid today, and they have ensured continuous development and improvement in nuclear fuel. B. Nuclear Fuel Types 3. The vast majority of nuclear fuel used today consists of uranium dioxide pellets contained in a sealed tube of zirconium alloy to make a fuel rod. There are many variations in the way the rods are
Thorium’s Long-Term Potential in Nuclear Energy: New IAEA Analysis
Mar 13, 2023 · Comprehensively summarising the results of a four-year IAEA coordinated research project focused on the possibilities of developing thorium-based nuclear energy, the report examines the benefits and the challenges of using thorium as a fuel and analyses its application in different types of reactors — from the most commonly deployed water ...
Exploring Research Reactors and Their Use | IAEA
Aug 4, 2020 · Research reactors are small nuclear reactors that are primarily used to produce neutrons, unlike nuclear power reactors, which are larger and used to generate electricity. Compared to nuclear power reactors, research reactors have a simpler design, operate at lower temperatures, require far less fuel and, therefore, result in far less waste.
Nuclear Power Reactors in the World - IAEA
It contains summarized information as of the end of 2021 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 ...