Nuclear energy fission series#

The detonation of so-called 'atom bombs' is signified by the sight of a mushroom cloud - a dreadful reminder of the power of the atom and of fission itself. The IAEA is supporting a pre-feasibility study of a generic fusion demonstration plant.When this process is allowed to run unchecked, however, it gives rise to a powerful and destructive force.The IAEA is investigating key safety aspects covering the whole lifecycle of fusion facilities, where guidelines and specific reference documents are needed.The IAEA is carrying out a project on synergies in technology development between nuclear fission and fusion for energy production, and on the long-term sustainability – including the handling of radioactive waste – and legal and institutional issues for fusion facilities.The IAEA maintains numerical databases of fundamental data for fusion energy research, as well as the Fusion Device Information System (FusDIS), which compiles information on fusion devices operating, under construction or being planned around the world.

Nuclear energy fission series#

The IAEA implements a series of technical meetings and coordinated research activities on topics relevant to fusion science and technology development and deployment, and organizes and supports education and training activities on fusion.The IAEA facilitates international cooperation and coordination on DEMO programme activities around the world.Collaboration between the IAEA and the ITER Organization is formalized through a cooperation agreement in 2008, which was expanded and deepened in 2019. The ITER Agreement is deposited with the IAEA Director General.Since 1971, the IAEA International Fusion Research Council has served as a catalyst for establishing improved international collaboration in fusion research.

See a short film about the history of this conference series The first international IAEA Fusion Energy Conference was held in 1961 and, since 1974, the IAEA convenes a conference every two years to foster discussion on developments and achievements in the field.The IAEA also regularly publishes TECDOCs and outreach and educational material on fusion. The journal is now considered the leading periodical in the field. The IAEA launched the Nuclear Fusion journal in 1960 to exchange information about advances in nuclear fusion.The IAEA has a long history of being at the core of international fusion research and development, and recently started supporting early technology development and deployment

Importantly, nuclear fusion - just like fission - does not emit carbon dioxide or other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, so it could be a long-term source of low-carbon electricity from the second half of this century onwards. Furthermore, as the fusion process is difficult to start and maintain, there is no risk of a runaway reaction and meltdown fusion can only occur under strict operational conditions, outside of which (in the case of an accident or system failure, for example), the plasma will naturally terminate, lose its energy very quickly and extinguish before any sustained damage is done to the reactor. Future fusion reactors are also intrinsically safe and are not expected to produce high activity or long-lived nuclear waste. These fuel supplies would last for millions of years. In the sun, the extreme pressure produced by its immense gravity creates the conditions for fusion.įusion fuel is plentiful and easily accessible: deuterium can be extracted inexpensively from seawater, and tritium can potentially be produced from the reaction of fusion generated neutrons with naturally abundant lithium. For this to happen, the nuclei must be confined within a small space to increase the chances of collision. Once the nuclei come within a very close range of each other, the attractive nuclear force between them will outweigh the electrical repulsion and allow them to fuse. The high temperature provides them with enough energy to overcome their mutual electrical repulsion. To fuse in our sun, nuclei need to collide with each other at extremely high temperatures, around ten million degrees Celsius. The sun, along with all other stars, is powered by this reaction. Nuclear fusion is the process by which two light atomic nuclei combine to form a single heavier one while releasing massive amounts of energy.įusion reactions take place in a state of matter called plasma - a hot, charged gas made of positive ions and free-moving electrons with unique properties distinct from solids, liquids or gases.