Transition to Large Scale Nuclear Energy Supply

Abstract

We can expect to see the peak of world oil production very soon. Some say that we can see that peak now in our rear-view mirrors as we drive into an oil-poor future. Natural gas already is in short supply in North America. Nuclear energy must make up the lion’s share of the world’s energy deficit. This paper examines, in very general terms, the implications of today’s shifting prospects for nuclear energy, as it exists today, and how those prospects might develop in the future. The time span under consideration is the remainder of the 21st century.