Title: Notes on the future of nuclear power

Authors: E.P. Velikhov; V.D. Davidenko; V.F. Tsibulskiy

Addresses: Kurchatov Institute, National Research Centre, Moscow, Russia ' Kurchatov Institute, National Research Centre, Moscow, Russia ' Kurchatov Institute, National Research Centre, Moscow, Russia

Abstract: In the latest assessments of the strategic prospects for the development of nuclear energy, we can note the tendency of a condescendingly arrogant attitude towards thermonuclear fusion, which, unfortunately, largely corresponds to the real state of affairs. At the same time, an analysis of the problems and potential of two nuclear technologies based on reactions of fusion of light nuclei and fission of heavy ones shows the following. Independent large-scale development of each of these areas will inevitably lead to the need to overcome the still unresolved technological, material science, environmental and economic problems, some of which raise the question of the appropriateness of further development of these energy sectors. At the same time, the physical features of fission processes and fusion objectively indicate the expediency of combining them within the framework of a single nuclear energy system. Such a combination will provide a great synergistic effect, as a result of which the negative manifestations of the complex problems of each technology will significantly weaken on the path of large-scale development of the industry.

Keywords: development of nuclear energy; two nuclear technologies; fusion of light nuclei; fission of heavy nuclei; combining of two nuclear technologies; great synergistic effect.

DOI: 10.1504/IJNGEE.2019.106017

International Journal of Nuclear Governance, Economy and Ecology, 2019 Vol.4 No.4, pp.225 - 237

Received: 08 Oct 2019
Accepted: 21 Oct 2019
Published online: 24 Mar 2020 *

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