Novel Fuels and Materials for Nuclear Energy Generation Technologies

Abstract

Existing energy generations technologies both electrical and thermal based on the burning of natural energy carriers are dangerous for biosphere of our planet. It became obvious that the further intensive development of modern energetic and transport leads to large-scale ecological crisis. During last decade attention of worldwide frontier research and technology together with hydropower wind, photovoltaic, earth thermal water, etc. energy generation systems is focusing on the novel nuclear energy production technologies based on the last scientific and engineering achievements. Nuclear power is the principal carbon-free source of electricity, and therefore plays a key role in limiting greenhouse gas emissions. Improving scientific and technical knowledge and competences in the areas of safety, sustainability, security, reliability and cost effectiveness of novel nuclear fuel and materials are one of the main tasks of world science and technology community. The paper represents the analysis of existing level of nuclear materials development. The primary task in this research area is to coordinate the development of concepts and processes that can address the key outstanding issues in elaboration of novel effective technologies for novel technologies of nuclear energy preparation. It is shown that performed theoretical, physica-technical and technological research works clearly indicate the prospects of using new materials, devices and designing schemes for creation of highly effective energy generating technologies also applicable for hydrogen based energy production. © Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht 2013.