The Future of Atomic Energy

Abstract The claim that nuclear energy will not be necessary in the future depends upon the supposition that there need be no significant increase in global energy consumption. Population growth, and the demand to improve greatly the lot of the majority of the human race, make nonsense of this assumption. By the middle of the coming century the world's primary energy requirement will be at least three times its present level, if demographic and social factors are to be accommodated. The resources of fossil fuels are quite inadequate for the purpose and nuclear fission is the only means known at present that can fill the energy gap. All the possible energy sources have an environmental impact and introduce hazards. In this respect, under normal operating circumstances, nuclear fission compares favourably with the other energy options. Accidents to nuclear power plants, however, produce serious public concern about the risks involved in the exploitation of this bountiful resource. The Chernobyl accident has...