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Nuclear energy today (Second Edition). Paris : OECD, Nuclear Energy Agency, 23 Sept. 2013, 112 p.http://www.oecd-ilibrary.org/nuclear-energy/nuclear-energy-today_9789264179233-enAbstract (© OECD) :Meeting the growing demand for energy, and electricity in particular, while addressing the need to curb greenhouse gas emissions and to ensure security of energy supply, is one of the most difficult challenges facing the world’s economies. No single technology can respond to this challenge, and the solution which policy-makers are seeking lies in the diversification of energy sources.Although nuclear energy currently provides over 20% of electricity in the OECD area and does not emit any carbon dioxide during production, it continues to be seen by many as a controversial technology. Public concern remains over its safety and the management of radioactive waste, and financing such a capital-intensive technology is a complex issue. The role that nuclear power will play in the future depends on the answers to these questions, several of which are provided in this up-to-date review of the status of nuclear energy, as well as on the outcome of research and development on the nuclear fuel cycle and reactor technologies.Contents :Chapter 1. Overview of Nuclear Energy TodayChapter 2. Basic Principles of Nuclear EnergyIntroduction to nuclear physics and nuclear fissionMain components of nuclear reactorsReactor technologies and typesGeneration III/III+, Generation IV and other reactor conceptsNuclear fusion: a potential energy sourceChapter 3. The Nuclear Fuel CycleThe front end: preparing fuel for the reactorThe back end: options for managing spent fuelDecommissioning of nuclear facilitiesChapter 4. Nuclear SafetyTechnical aspects of nuclear safetySafety assessmentsOrganisational and human factors, safety cultureLearning from operating experienceChapter 5. Radiation and Radiological ProtectionScientific and medical backgroundThe radiological protection systemChapter 6. Management of Radioactive WasteTypes of radioactive wasteWaste management principles and practiceGeological disposal of long-lived wasteTransport orf radioactive materialsSocietal and policy considerationsChapter 7. Nuclear Law and Non-proliferationThe legal framework of nuclear energyThe non-proliferation regimeChapter 8. The Economics and Financing of Nuclear EnergyNuclear generating costs and investment risksComparison with other sources of electricityChapter 9. The Future of Nuclear EnergyWorld energy demand and security of supplyEnergy use and climate changeThe future role of nuclear powerDeveloping nuclear technology for the futureAdditional uses for nuclear energy, present and future 