Title: Proliferation resistance and the nuclear renaissance

Authors: Thomas E. Shea, Michael D. Zentner

Addresses: Pacific Northwest Centre for Global Security, National Security Directorate, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA 99354, USA. ' Safety, Licensing, and Regulatory Analysis, National Security Directorate, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA 99354, USA

Abstract: Currently, nuclear power provides 16% of the world|s electricity, using 439 reactors in 30 states and in Taiwan, China. This paper explores how emphasising proliferation resistance can guide decisions allowing increasing use of nuclear power without challenging international security. It reviews the definition of proliferation resistance and describes how proliferation resistance for a given fuel cycle can be evaluated. It explores how proliferation concerns interact with facility safety and plant operations. Finally, it explores today|s thinking in technical measures and R&D programmes that could both decrease the risk of proliferation and ensure the successful renaissance of nuclear power.

Keywords: nuclear energy; nuclear power; proliferation resistance; nuclear renaissance; intrinsic features; extrinsic measures; non-proliferation; international security.

DOI: 10.1504/IJGEI.2008.019872

International Journal of Global Energy Issues, 2008 Vol.30 No.1/2/3/4, pp.376 - 392

Published online: 12 Aug 2008 *

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