Surveys the history and development of nuclear power and presents both sides of the controversy surrounding its use.

This is the official record of the International Symposium on "The Role of Nuclear Engineering for an Uncertain Future" which was held on No vember 5 and 6, 1980, at Keidanren Hall in Tokyo, in connection with the 20th Anniversary of the Nuclear Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, University of Tokyo. Eight specialists from all over the world were invited to contribute papers to the symposium, and the professors of our Department presented a paper each. The Symposium was divided into seven sessions, chaired by profes sors of the Department according to their specialties. About 200 scientists attended the symposium, and some of them joined the discussions. The symposium was fruitful and very successful from every point of view, and highly evaluated by the attendants as well as by con cerned people outside. This success is due to the successful organization and good performance of the staff of this symposium, to whom I would like to express my grat itude. I also hope that these proceedings will be useful to the specialists who are concerned with the uncertain future of nuclear engineering as well as with the role of Universities in that future.

This book provides a concise but rigorous appraisal about the future of nuclear power and the presumed nuclear renaissance. It does so by assessing the technical, economic, environmental, political, and social risks related to all aspects of the nuclear fuel cycle, from uranium mills and mines to nuclear reactors and spent fuel storage facilities. In each case, the book argues that the costs of nuclear power significantly outweigh its benefits. It concludes by calling for investments in renewable energy and energy efficiency as a better path towards an affordable, secure, and socially acceptable future.The prospect of a global nuclear renaissance could change the way that energy is produced and used the world over. Sovacool takes a hard look at who would benefit — mostly energy companies and manufacturers — and who would suffer — mostly taxpayers, those living near nuclear facilities, and electricity customers. This book is a must-read for anyone even remotely concerned about a sustainable energy future, and also for those with a specific interest in modern nuclear power plants.