Electricity generation by nuclear power plants

Nuclear power plays an important role in electricity production worldwide (on a par with hydroelectricity), in Europe (33%) and in France (over 75%). Techniques de l'Ingénieur's Génie Nucléaire treatise covers the theoretical foundations of nuclear reactors, explains in detail the issues of safety, radiation protection and waste management, describes the many technologies involved, and presents the main reactor systems developed over the last fifty years, as well as the experience acquired during this period.

The aim of this article [D 4 003] is to provide an overview of the main nuclear technologies, and their respective advantages in terms of the objectives pursued (electricity production, resource recovery, waste management). It reviews the considerable achievements of fifty years of development, thanks to which the nuclear industry is today one of the safest and most environmentally-friendly industries, and produces some of the cheapest basic electricity. The following article will present the state of thinking on the possible development of nuclear power in the 21st century, and on the conditions for sustainable development of this energy.