Abstract
Largest Users Of Nuclear Power
The US, France, Germany, Japan, Russia, and South Korea are the largest users
of nuclear power. China, India, and Southeast Asia are among regions likely to
initiate more rapid adoption of nuclear reactors. Nuclear power is moving to
next generation systems that promise to be more efficient and safer than
initial systems.
Russia Has Experimented With Several Lead-Cooled Reactor Designs
Russia has experimented with several lead-cooled reactor designs. It has used
leadbismuth cooling for 40 years in reactors for its Alfa class submarines.
Pb-208 (54% of naturally-occurring lead) is transparent to neutrons. A
significant new Russian design is the Brest fast neutron reactor, of 300 MWe
with lead as the primary coolant, at 540°C, and supercritical steam
generators. It is inherently safe and uses a U+Pu nitride fuel.
Uranium Market Driving Forces
Uranium market driving forces relate to the need for clean energy that is
competitive with the higher priced oil products used to generate electricity.
Clean energy has become a priority as pollutants cause health difficulties
worldwide.
Domestically, the United States has 100 nuclear reactors supplying more than
20% of the nation' s electricity. Enrichment capacity complements raw material
uranium. USEC seeks to provide enrichment capacity.
Nuclear power supplies a sixth of world electricity demand. A period of little
new construction is ending and the market is at the threshold of significant
expansion globally. There are multiple drivers for this upsurge in interest.
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