Nuclear Energy Futures
The Future of Nuclear Energy to 2030: Final Report of the Nuclear Energy Futures Project
In a new report, CIGI experts state that a worldwide nuclear revival is unlikely before 2030. There is a window of opportunity to address urgent governance to avoid accidents, nuclear terrorism and proliferation. An action plan derived from the report recommends five steps the international community should take to ensure safety and security standards, reinforce the International Atomic Energy Agency as the central nuclear agency and ensure that a revival is managed with care. The Action Plan, Overview and Final Report (published in 4 parts) are available online.
Nigeria and Nuclear Energy: Plans and Prospects
Nigeria, the most populous country in Africa and a major oil exporter, suffers from chronic energy shortages. Years of under-investment, lack of maintenance and perpetual resource supply problems have elevated the situation to crisis levels. National policy makers have consequently expressed an interest in nuclear power as a source of stable electricity.
US International Nuclear Energy Policy: Change and Continuity
Worldwide renewed interest in nuclear power has raised concerns about proliferation, safety and security. The Obama administration's policies are similar to yet different from former President George W. Bush. Tighter rules on sensitive nuclear technologies in the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) are a priority for the current administration as is establishing international nuclear fuel banks and other supply assurances, and enhancing safeguards and security and efforts against nuclear terrorism.
The Indian Nuclear Industry: Status and Prospects
This report offers a historical overview and assessment of the Indian nuclear industry, including India’s indigenous efforts and the role of foreign aid and expertise.
The Canadian Nuclear Industry: Status and Prospects
Canada was one of the first countries to adopt nuclear energy. It is the world’s largest supplier of natural uranium and a supplier of nuclear technology and expertise. But the future role of nuclear energy in Canada in now in question. This paper provides an analysis of the future of nuclear energy in Canada and the likely parameters of any revival.
The US Nuclear Industry: Current Status and Prospects under the Obama Administration
As the world looks to alternative energy sources to fossil fuels, expectations of a nuclear energy renaissance are high in the United States even though no new reactors have been built in 30 years. This paper discusses the history, current status and prospects for US nuclear power under the Obama administration.
From Nuclear Energy to the Bomb: The Proliferation Potential of New Nuclear Energy Programs
This paper explores the connection between otherwise peaceful nuclear energy programs and nuclear weapons with the objective of clarifying their relationship. Specific attention is paid to the technical aspects of proliferation, particularly regarding scientific knowledge and expertise, nuclear material, technology and infrastructure.
Uranium Enrichment in Canada
The most recent addition to CIGI's Nuclear Energy Futures series, this paper discusses the Canadian mining of uranium, its subsequent processing, current enrichment technologies and the capital and operating costs of a modern centrifuge enrichment plant.
The British Nuclear Industry: Status and Prospects
Considerable debate over the future of the United Kingdom's nuclear power industry resulted in publication of a white paper in January 2008 and ambitious proposals for a new build. While nuclear power has met about one fifth of UK electricity needs in the past decade, about one third of Britain's total electricity generating capacity is expected to need replacing over the next 20 years, partly because most existeing nuclear power stations will close. Concrns about security of supply and climate change frame the UK debate, and while the government has concluded that new nuclear build is a major part of any solution, public opinion remains deeply divided - not least because of the legacy of costly and inefficient former UK nuclear projects. This paper explores the status and prospects of the British nuclear industry, including its history, UK energy strategy and the evolving regulatory framework, and discusses the continuing concerns surrounding the prospective new nuclear build in the UK.
The Russian Nuclear Industry: Status and Prospects
If ever there was a country for which the catchphrase "nuclear renaissance" truly applied, it would be Russia. In the Soviet Union, nuclear energy served as a symbol of technological progress and scientific achievement in the country's rivalry with the West. However, the march of Soviet nuclear progress was brought to a halt by the nuclear accident involving a Soviet-designed reactor at Chernobyl in 1986. After languishing for two decades, the nuclear industry in Russia has recently been greeted with renewed funding and enthusiasm. This paper explores the goals and challenges of the Russian nuclear power industry, discussing its status and prospects.
The Global Nuclear Safety and Security Regimes
In this report Aaron Shull explores the international legal regimes, both binding and non-binding, that relate to the safety and security of civilian nuclear applications. The areas he considers are the safety of nuclear power plants, radioactive waste management, research reactors, radioactive sources, emergency preparedness and response, and nuclear security. From here the author examines how four different states - Australia, Brazil, Canada and Jordan - have dealt domestically with their international legal obligations relating to such matters. The author concludes by recommending ways to strengthen and integrate the regimes to better cope with the expected global revival in peaceful applications of nuclear energy.
A Guide to Global Nuclear Governance: Safety, Security and Nonproliferation
This is the first comprehensive guide to the international treaties, organizations, initiatives and networks that form the global regime dealing with nuclear nonproliferation, safety and security. A Guide to Global Nuclear Governance contains a detailed listing of treaties, conventions, initiatives and networks, including multilateral and bilateral agreements, International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) guidelines and codes of conduct, United Nations Security Council resolutions, US-Russia initiatives, among others. Each entry includes a brief description, pertinent dates and, where relevant, the numbers of participating states.