Nuclear power for energy and for scientific progress

TL;DR

This paper discusses the role of nuclear power in energy sustainability, scientific research, and global energy policies, highlighting advancements, challenges, and regional perspectives including Italy.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive overview of nuclear power's current status, technological developments like Fast Neutron Reactors, and regional energy considerations, especially in Italy.

Findings

Nuclear power is crucial for sustainable energy and scientific progress.

4th generation reactors, especially Fast Neutron Reactors, are key technological advancements.

Regional policies and public acceptance significantly influence nuclear energy deployment.

Abstract

The Introduction in this paper underlines the present general situation for energy and the environment using the words of the US Secretary of Energy. A short presentation is made of some major nuclear power plants used to study one fundamental parameter for neutrino oscillations. The nuclear power status in some Far East Nations is summarized. The 4th generation of nuclear power stations, with emphasis on Fast Neutron Reactors, is recollected. The world consumptions of all forms of energies is recalled, fuel reserves are considered and the opportunities for a sustainable energy future is discussed. These considerations are applied to the italian situation, which is rather peculiar, also due to the many consequencies of the strong Nimby effects in Italy.