Safety mechanisms of a nuclear power reactor. Challenges and alternatives

To reduce the dependency on fossil fuels for power generation, nuclear power production may be the best alternative choice. Atomic energy offers a very clean energy alternative and it's most important feature is the colossal amount of energy production from nuclear reaction in the reactor. Safety of nuclear power reactor is the most critical issue at the time of designing of a nuclear reactor. The safety principles do not guarantee that nuclear power plants will be absolutely free of risk, but when the principles and guidelines of IAEA are adequately applied, the plants might be very safe. In spite of some accidents, nuclear power plants generally have a good safety record. In this work available safety options of nuclear reactor are critically analyzed and some alternatives are highlighted. (author)