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REGULATORY FRAMEWORK AND INNOVATIONS FOR ADVANCED NUCLEAR TECHNOLOGIES BALANCING SAFETY, EFFICIENCY, AND DECARBONIZATION
Abstract
The familiarity with the risk governance of existing nuclear reactors, observation of the path taken by other critical sectors and the evolving role of regulation is useful to define for regulatory governance and policy framework for future nuclear technologies that can be safe, efficient and consistent with decarbonization objectives. It explores emerging scientific innovations like small modular reactors (SMRs), next-gen fission, and nuclear fusion, for peace, energy security, sustainable development, etc. This paper conducts a detailed analysis of the key regulatory challenges (e.g., waste management, non-proliferation, public acceptance) and maps them against policy-strategies that promote innovation. Combining strong safety regulations with technological innovations, the study outlines pathways for nuclear energy to play a role in a low-carbon future that is both economically viable and environmentally responsible.
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Key terms and definitions
The Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, or NPT, is a global agreement working to stop nuclear weapons from spreading. It also helps countries use nuclear power safely.
Enriched Uranium is uranium that's been changed to have more U-235. This special kind is needed for nuclear reactors and, indeed, for nuclear bombs.
Plutonium-239 is a man-made stuff that is used in nuclear weapons. It comes from messing with uranium in reactors.
Nuclear Deterrence- That's when a country says, "If you attack us with nukes, we'll nuke you back! " It's meant to stop anyone from starting a nuclear war.
The IAEA, that's the International Atomic Energy Agency, is an organization that helps make sure nuclear technology is used safely and peacefully around the world.
Nuclear Fallout are the radioactive bits that fall to the ground after a nuclear explosion goes off.
Nuclear Disarmament is basically getting rid of nuclear weapons, or at least having fewer of them.
Civil Nuclear Cooperation happens when countries agree to share nuclear stuff and know-how with each other for non-military reasons.
Fissile Material means stuff that can keep a nuclear chain reaction going. Uranium-235 and Plutonium-239 are examples.
The Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty, or START, involves deals between the U. S. and Russia to have less strategic weapons.
Additional Readings
Albright, D., & Hibbs, M. (1992). Plutonium and Highly Enriched Uranium 1992: World Inventories, Capabilities and Policies. Oxford University Press.
Cirincione, J. (2007). Bomb Scare: The History and Future of Nuclear Weapons. Columbia University Press.
Sagan, S. D., & Waltz, K. N. (2002). The Spread of Nuclear Weapons: A Debate Renewed. W. W. Norton & Company.
IAEA. (2020). Safeguards: Stemming the Spread of Nuclear Weapons. International Atomic Energy Agency. https://www.iaea.org/
NTI (n. d.). Global Nuclear Policy. NTI (Nuclear Threat Initiative). https://www.nti.org
World Nuclear Association. Nuclear Power and the Environment. World Nuclear Association. https://www.world-nuclear.org
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.26668/revistajur.2316-753X.v2i87.8350
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