19
Computare
Challenge
•Significance to carbon cycle?
–Limited reserves – once through fuel cycle
–Alternate fuel cycles
–Breeding?
–Fusion?
–Beyond electricity
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There is a challenge to nuclear energy.
So – called known  reserves of nuclear fuel would supply world energy needs for only a few decades with current once through fuel cycles. Doug Lightfoot reminded us of this yesterday. Detractors conclude nuclear energy is insignificant to world energy needs.
Fortunately, there are many alternatives to expand nuclear fuel supply . One is to simply find more and expand the quantity of “known reserves”.
Advanced fuel cycles, thorium, the Monju breeder reactor prototype, nuclear energy futures, hydrogen and water desalination have all been discussed at this symposium. I take that as evidence the nuclear industry recognizes the challenge and is ready to take it on.