The nuclear energy continuum and its spectrum of choices

Nuclear energy options are generally perceived as consisting of a choice between two systems: fusion of fission. Recent developments, however, suggest that an expanded perspective of nuclear reaction systematics can lead to a spectrum of nuclear energy options in which stand-alone fission or fusion reactors are but two of many possibilities. The underlying basis for this synergistic perspective of alternatives is the potential for an enhanced utilization of complementary nuclear reactions and their integration into a coherent systems framework. Specific examples are hybrid reactors, spallation breeders, and various kinds of symbionts. These alternative nuclear energy systems hold the promise of more appealing and efficient methods of extracting energy from the nucleus. One particularly appealing feature of these synergetic nuclear systems is that they provide the essential basis for autarkic and syntonic nuclear energy parks. These energy parks would have the feature of being totally self-sufficient in fuel and would contain an internal nuclear waste transmutation capacity