The nuclear energy harnessed around the world today to produce electricity is through nuclear fission, while technology to generate electricity from fusion is at the R&D phase. This article will explore nuclear fission. What is nuclear fission?
Nuclear fission is a reaction where the nucleus of an atom splits into two or more smaller nuclei, while releasing energy.
For instance, when hit by a neutron, the nucleus of an atom of uranium-235 splits into two smaller nuclei, for example a barium nucleus and a krypton nucleus and two or three neutrons. These extra neutrons will hit other surrounding uranium-235 atoms, which will also split and generate additional neutrons in a multiplying effect, thus generating a chain reaction in a fraction of a second.
Each time the reaction occurs, there is a release of energy in the form of heat and radiation. The heat can be converted into electricity in a nuclear power plant, similarly to how heat from fossil fuels such as coal, gas and oil is used to generate electricity.
Nuclear fission (Graphic: A. Vargas/IAEA)
How does a nuclear power plant work?
Find more details about the different types of nuclear power reactors on this page.
Pressurized water reactors are the most used in the world. (Graphic: A. Vargas/IAEA)
Mining, enrichment and disposal of uranium
To make natural uranium more likely to undergo fission, it is necessary to increase the amount of uranium-235 in a given sample through a process called uranium enrichment. Once the uranium is enriched, it can be used effectively as nuclear fuel in power plants for three to five years, after which it is still radioactive and has to be disposed of following stringent guidelines to protect people and the environment. Used fuel, also referred to as spent fuel, can also be recycled into other types of fuel for use as new fuel in special nuclear power plants.
Nuclear waste
The next generation of nuclear power plants, also called innovative advanced reactors, will generate much less nuclear waste than today’s reactors. It is expected that they could be under construction by 2030.
Nuclear power and climate change
Nuclear power is a low-carbon source of energy, because unlike coal, oil or gas power plants, nuclear power plants practically do not produce CO2 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.
To find out more about nuclear power and the clean energy transition, read this edition of the IAEA Bulletin.
What is the role of the IAEA?
- The IAEA establishes and promotes international standards and guidance for the safe and secure use of nuclear energy to protect people and the environment.
- The IAEA supports existing and new nuclear programmes around the world by providing technical support and knowledge management. Through the Milestones Approach, the IAEA provides technical expertise and guidance to countries that want to develop a nuclear power programme as well as to those who are decommissioning theirs.
- Through its safeguards and verification activities, the IAEA oversees that nuclear material and technologies are not diverted from peaceful use.
- Review missions and advisory services led by the IAEA provide guidance on the activities necessary during the lifetime of production of nuclear energy: from the mining of uranium to the construction, maintenance and decommissioning of nuclear power plants and the management of nuclear waste.
- The IAEA administers a reserve of low enriched uranium (LEU) in Kazakhstan, which can be used as a last resort by countries that are in urgent need of LEU for peaceful purposes.
