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Nuclear power is the use of sustained nuclear fission to generate heat and do useful work. Nuclear power plants provide about 6% of the world's energy and 13–14% of the world's electricity,[1] with the U.S., France, and Japan together accounting for about 50% of nuclear generated electricity.[2] In 2007, the IAEA reported there were 439 nuclear power reactors in operation in the world,[3] operating in 31 countries.[4] Also, more than 150 naval vessels using nuclear propulsion have been built.

There is an ongoing debate about the use of nuclear energy.[5][6][7] Proponents, such as the World Nuclear Association and IAEA, contend that nuclear power is a sustainable energy source that reduces carbon emissions.[8] Opponents, such as Greenpeace International and NIRS, believe that nuclear power poses many threats to people and the environment.[9][10][11]

Nuclear power plant accidents include the Chernobyl disaster (1986), Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster (2011), and the Three Mile Island accident (1979).[12] There have also been some nuclear-powered submarine mishaps.[13][14][12] However, the safety record of nuclear power is good when compared with many other energy technologies.[15] Research into safety improvements is continuing[16] and nuclear fusion may be used in the future.

China has 25 nuclear power reactors under construction, with plans to build many more,[17] while in the US the licenses of almost half its reactors have been extended to 60 years,[18] and plans to build another dozen are under serious consideration.[19] However, Japan's 2011 Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster prompted a rethink of nuclear energy policy in many countries.[20] Germany decided to close all its reactors by 2022, and Italy has banned nuclear power.[20] Following Fukushima, the International Energy Agency halved its estimate of additional nuclear generating capacity to be built by 2035.[21]