Nuclear Power Generation Technology

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses the impact on society of nuclear power generation technology. It describes the history of the global prominence that nuclear power has attained and the role it has played in the shifting of popular attitudes towards science and technology, in general. The paper shows how this technology - although critical to the production of energy in places such as Ontario - is also viewed with fear and scepticism by much of the population.

Table of Contents:
Introduction
Popular Fears of Nuclear Power
The Post-Chernobyl Costs of Nuclear Power
The Future Role of Nuclear Power in Our Society
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"Unless science and technology discover some previously unknown form of energy, it is clear that nuclear power technology - despite popular anxiety - is likely to expand its significance in our society in the future. There is simply no alternative energy supply to fossil fuels that can offer the large amounts of energy that nuclear power offers. Moreover, in a political environment where fossil fuels are also viewed with considerable negativity among the public for contributing to pollution and global warming, even the negative optics of nuclear power may be lessened in comparison. Thus, while it is admittedly impossible to make certain predictions about the future role of nuclear power in our society given the variables of public opinion as well as the political, economic and environmental issues to be considered, nevertheless I believe that in the immediate future humanity will be compelled to revisit the use of nuclear power to sustain itself."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Greenhalgh, Geoffrey. The Future of Nuclear Power. London: Graham and Trotman, 1988.
• Moberg, Asa. Before and After Chernobyl: Nuclear Power in Crisis. Malmo, Sweden: Team Offset, 1986.
• OECD. Broad Economic Impact of Nuclear Power. Paris: Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development, 1992.
• OECD. Nuclear Power Economics and Technology: An Overview. Paris: Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development, 1992.
• Schurr, S.H. "Energy, Economic Growth, and Human Welfare." In The Economics of Nuclear Energy, edited by Leonard Brookes and Homa Motamen. London: Chapman and Hall, 1984, 362-369.

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