Why's and how's for a sustainable Nuclear Renaissance? The point of view of a physicist

by Dr Claude Guet (CEA, France)

Tuesday 28 Oct 2008, 16:00 → 18:00 Europe/Rome

Aula Conversi - Edificio G. Marconi (Dip. di Fisica)

Worldwide raising demands for energy combined with presumed greenhouse gas induced climate change have led to reconsider the nuclear option. Media report strong signals for nuclear renaissance both in have had countries and in yet virgin countries. Huge efforts to develop greenhouse gas emission free technologies without fossil fuel are mandatory. However these technologies reach their full potential only if associated with a steady supply of energy that only nuclear fission can safely provide on a long term Technological, economical, societal, and political important issues are associated with a reliable nuclear renaissance. Debates remain on the best strategies to satisfy often conflicting interests. The expected optimization requires major scientific efforts ranging from nuclear physics to material science and chemistry. Modelling and simulation as well as new experimental approaches are developed in order to design new fuels with high burn-up, to reprocess spent fuels with a smart separation of minor actinides, and to ensure the stability of waste confinement over the overall expected radioactive lifetime. My argument will be based on physicist own view of the French nuclear policy which has developed steadily over the last forty years and has worked out a strategic program for up to the next century. Optimal use of fissionable resources, minimization of waste volume and lifetime, long term safety of waste repositories, resistance to proliferation are the pillars that hold the program. I will then discuss how nuclear advanced countries, mastering the fuel cycle technologies, and newcomers could cooperate in their best mutual interest sharing a vision of a safe, secure and sustainable energy supply for all humans. Arguments will be also given to discuss economical advantages of newcomers in entering (or re-entering) a nuclear policy.