What is Nuclear Energy? The Science of Nuclear Power
Nov 11, 2025 · What is nuclear fission? Nuclear fission is a reaction where the nucleus of an atom splits into two or more smaller nuclei, while releasing energy. For instance, when hit by a neutron, the …
Nuclear power reactors, reactor types and technologies | IAEA
Nov 7, 2025 · Nuclear power reactors produce energy by initiating and controlling a sustained nuclear chain reaction. Currently, over 400 such reactors in 32 countries provide about 10 per cent of the …
What are Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)? | IAEA
Sep 13, 2023 · Small modular reactors (SMRs) are advanced nuclear reactors that produce up to 300 MW (e) of low-carbon electricity, which is about one-third of the generating capacity of traditional …
What are Molten Salt Reactors (MSRs)? | IAEA
Mar 11, 2025 · Molten Salt Reactors (MSRs) are nuclear fission reactors in which either the fuel and/or the coolant is a molten salt. Molten salt is salt which liquifies at elevated temperatures and can store …
Thorium’s Long-Term Potential in Nuclear Energy: New IAEA Analysis
Mar 13, 2023 · In August 2021, China announced the completion of its first experimental thorium-based nuclear reactor. Built in the middle of the Gobi Desert in the country’s north, the reactor over the next …
Water cooled reactors | IAEA
Dec 22, 2021 · Water cooled reactors have played a significant role in the commercial nuclear industry since its beginnings and currently account for more than 95 per cent of all operating civilian power …
A. Introduction The core of a nuclear reactor is where the fuel is located and where nuclear fission reactions take place. The materials used to encase the fuel in fuel rods, to hold fuel rods together in …
What is Nuclear Fusion? - International Atomic Energy Agency
Aug 3, 2023 · 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 …
Small Modular Reactors: Advances in SMR Developments 2024
Jul 7, 2024 · It also examines the unique global role the IAEA plays in supporting the establishment of sustainable nuclear power programmes and in catalysing technology development and deployment …
Design of nuclear power plants | IAEA
Mar 2, 2025 · The design of a nuclear power plant needs to consider specific site characteristics, operational aspects and future decommissioning plans so as to achieve the highest levels of safety. …