-
Nuclear power uses fission (splitting atom nuclei) to produce energy.
-
Nuclear fusion (joining atom nuclei) also has potential for energy production.
-
Around 6% of the world’s energy and 14% of the world’s electricity is produced by nuclear power.
-
There are over 400 nuclear power reactors in use around the world.
-
Around 30 different countries have operational nuclear reactors.
-
The largest producers of nuclear power are the US, France and Japan.
-
Nuclear power provides around 20% of the electricity used in the US.
-
Nuclear power plants have a relatively good safety record but there is strong debate about the potential risk they pose.
-
Well known nuclear power plant accidents have occurred in Three Mile Island (1979), Chernobyl (1986) and more recently in Fukushima (2011).
-
The Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster occurred following the Tohoku earthquake and tsunami in Japan.
-
Nuclear reactors produce radioactive waste which can be difficult to dispose of safely.
-
Nuclear reactors are used to power some military submarines and aircraft carriers.
-
The Calder Hall nuclear power station in the UK was the first to deliver commercial quantities of electricity (1956).
-
Enjoy some more nuclear facts for kids.