Nuclear energy is a way of generating power from nuclear reactions which release large quantities of energy. It is mainly obtained through nuclear fission, which consists of splitting the nuclei of heavy atoms such as uranium or plutonium in a reactor, releasing heat that is used to produce steam and drive turbines. This is the technology used in all of the nuclear power stations currently in operation throughout the world.
Another possible variant is nuclear fusion, which seeks to fuse light nuclei to generate energy in the same way as the sun. If developed, it promises to be safer and to produce less hazardous waste than nuclear fission, but the technology is still at an experimental phase.
New developments in nuclear energy have focused on improving safety, reducing costs and expanding applications beyond traditional power generation. These include small modular reactors (SMRs), designed to produce between 50 and 300 MW. SMRs are compact, can be mass-produced and are transportable, all of which reduces construction time and costs. They have passive safety systems that do not rely on external power, thus enhancing their reliability. In addition, because of their flexibility, they can be installed in remote areas and incorporated into small power networks. They are suitable for producing hydrogen, desalinating water and supplying data centres and AI systems, thanks to their capacity to provide a constant supply. Countries such as the US, China and Russia are working on projects that are expected to be in operation before 2030.
Notably, nuclear energy has a high capacity for continuous generation with no direct carbon emissions, making it an ally in the move towards decarbonisation and greater supply stability. However, it has several drawbacks, including issues related to the disposal of radioactive waste, risks in the event of accidents and the high cost of construction and decommissioning, all of which require strict regulation and technological advances.
