Nuclear fuel processes

Since the Second World War electricity generation has been the main industrial application of radioactivity. Harnessing the potential of radioactivity has required the ingenuity, knowledge and dedication of the world's scientists and engineers in developing the necessary nuclear fuel processes to the level that we have reached today. This paper summarises the early development of the nuclear industry, the current main nuclear processes, and gives a forward projection of the likely future developments. The initial and unrealised promise of abundant and cheap electricity is contrasted with the current pressures on nuclear power involving economic viability and public and political acceptability. The main conclusions are that the environmental advantages of nuclear power will become increasingly important while recycling of uranium and plutonium, including the use of MOX fuel, will make a significant contribution to the economics of reactor operations. (author)