What is Nuclear Energy? The Science of Nuclear Power | IAEA
Nov 15, 2022 · The Science of Nuclear Power. Nuclear energy is a form of energy released from the nucleus, the core of atoms, made up of protons and neutrons. This source of energy can be produced in two ways: fission – when nuclei of atoms split into several parts – or fusion – when nuclei fuse together. The nuclear energy harnessed around the world ...
International Atomic Energy Agency | Atoms for Peace and …
24 October 2024 Update 256 – IAEA Director General Statement on Situation in Ukraine. Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) lost the connection to its only remaining 330 kilovolt (kV) back-up power line for a second time this month, once again leaving the facility dependent on one single source of the external electricity it needs for …
What is Radiation? | IAEA - International Atomic Energy Agency
25 Jan 2023. Andrea Galindo, IAEA Office of Public Information and Communication. Radiation is energy that moves from one place to another in a form that can be described as waves or particles. We are exposed to radiation in our everyday life. Some of the most familiar sources of radiation include the sun, microwave ovens in our kitchens and ...
What is Nuclear Fusion? - International Atomic Energy Agency
03 Aug 2023. Matteo Barbarino, IAEA Department of Nuclear Sciences and Applications. Nuclear fusion is the process by which two light atomic nuclei combine to form a single heavier one while releasing massive amounts of energy. Fusion reactions take place in a state of matter called plasma — a hot, charged gas made of positive ions and free ...
What are Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)? - International Atomic …
Sep 13, 2023 · Small – physically a fraction of the size of a conventional nuclear power reactor. Modular – making it possible for systems and components to be factory-assembled and transported as a unit to a location for installation. Reactors – harnessing nuclear fission to generate heat to produce energy. Learn more about nuclear fission and energy.
What are Isotopes? - IAEA
Aug 19, 2022 · This is known as isotope hydrology. (Graphic: A. Vargas/IAEA) Stable isotopes can be used to study land, humans, animals, insects and plants. For example, isotopes are used to map the migration path of butterflies and help protect the resources in their breeding environment. They can also be used in agriculture.
What is Fusion, and Why Is It So Difficult to Achieve? | IAEA
Simply put, nuclear fusion is the process by which two light atomic nuclei combine to form a single heavier one while releasing massive amounts of energy. Fusion reactions take place in a state of matter called plasma — a hot, charged gas made of positive ions and free-moving electrons that has unique properties distinct from solids, liquids ...
What is Uranium? | IAEA - International Atomic Energy Agency
Aug 16, 2023 · There are three natural isotopes of uranium — uranium-234 (U-234), uranium-235 (U-235) and uranium-238 (U-238). U-238 is the most common one, accounting for around 99 per cent of natural uranium found on earth. Most nuclear reactors use fuels containing U-235, however, natural uranium typically contains only 0.72 per cent of U-235 and, most reactors need a higher concentration of this ...
Nuclear power and climate change | IAEA
Oct 18, 2024 · Nuclear power is a low-carbon source of energy. In 2018, nuclear power produced about 10 percent of the world’s electricity. Together with the expanding renewable energy sources and fuel switching from coal to gas, higher nuclear power production contributed to the levelling of global CO 2 emissions at 33 gigatonnes in 2019 1/.Clearly, nuclear power – as a dispatchable low carbon source of ...
Radioactive waste disposal - IAEA
May 8, 2024 · To support Member States in developing disposal programmes and solutions, the IAEA assists within the following areas: Addressing scientific, technical, institutional and socio-political issues through stakeholder involvement to support confidence building. Disposal is the final step in the management of radioactive waste.