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Powering the world with nuclear energy – past, present, and inevitable future

Marvin Baker Schaffer (Rand Corporation, Santa Monica, California, USA.)

Foresight

ISSN: 1463-6689

Article publication date: 1 April 2005

2707

Abstract

Purpose

The article aims to explore the potential for pebble‐bed high‐temperature gas reactor (HTGR) technology to meet possible future energy shortages.

Design/methodology/approach

The historical evolution of nuclear power is reviewed followed by empirical data that demonstrate the finite nature of oil and gas reserves. The characteristics of HTGR technology are then explored.

Findings

A pebble‐bed HTGR ameliorates nuclear waste disposal issues, does not disgorge large quantities of excess heat, is terrorist‐resistant, solves persistent problems concerning weapon proliferation, and is inherently safe.

Originality/value

The article makes the case for the US Department of Energy to take the lead in demonstrating a pebble‐bed HTGR plant to overcome industry reluctance to invest in this technology.

Keywords

Citation

Baker Schaffer, M. (2005), "Powering the world with nuclear energy – past, present, and inevitable future", Foresight, Vol. 7 No. 2, pp. 41-53. https://doi.org/10.1108/14636680510590817

Publisher

:

Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2005, Emerald Group Publishing Limited

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