Innovative Nuclear Energy Systems and the Future of Nuclear Power

There is a renewed interest in nuclear power worldwide. The interest is sparked by concerns about global warming and security of energy supplies. In addition to the growing interest in building more reactors in countries that already have nuclear power, future demands for nuclear power are likely to include applications in countries that do not presently use nuclear power and applications beyond large-scale electricity generation. This paper will discuss some of the characteristics that future reactors will need to have to meet such demands, as well as other measures required to facilitate a nuclear renaissance. In addition, the emergence of new international nuclear initiatives and their potential roles will be described.