Nuclear safety and energy security

Abstract

Nuclear Power is being viewed by more and more countries as one of the key elements for maintaining or obtaining Energy Security. As more countries are looking towards nuclear power as a stable and reliable energy source there is also an increased focus on nuclear safety. In order for Nuclear Power to be able to contribute towards improving energy security, the safety of both new and older nuclear power plants must be assured. So, nuclear safety continues to be a very prominent topic in the ongoing discussions regarding nuclear power and energy security. This is especially true for those countries that are just now embarking or still investigating nuclear power as an energy source and for countries extending the life of older facilities is extended to maintain capacity. © 2010 Springer Science+Business Media B.V.