What is nuclear fission? Nuclear fission is a reaction where the nucleus of an atom splits into two or more smaller nuclei, while releasing energy. For instance, when hit by a neutron, the nucleus of an atom of uranium-235 splits into two smaller nuclei, for example a barium nucleus and a krypton nucleus and two or three neutrons.
Nuclear fusion is the process by which two light atomic nuclei combine to form a single heavier one while releasing massive amounts of energy. Fusion 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.
The IAEA’s ‘Nuclear Explained’ series takes scientific and technical subjects related to nuclear topics and makes them easier to understand. Delve into our top explainers in 2024 to find out how nuclear science and technology can be used to produce clean energy; measure how coastal ecosystems ...
The IAEA assists its Member States in using nuclear science and technology for peaceful purposes and facilitates the transfer of such technology and knowledge in a sustainable manner to Member States.
Here are six key trends from the Nuclear Power Status in 2025 that show how nuclear energy uptake is evolving: 1. Global Nuclear Capacity can Increase by more than double by 2050 According to the IAEA projections, global nuclear power capacity could double by 2050 — reaching between 561 GW (e) (low estimate) and 992 GW (e) (high estimate).
Nuclear power is a low-carbon source of energy. In 2018, nuclear power produced about 10 percent of the world’s electricity. Together with the expanding renewable energy sources and fuel switching from coal to gas, higher nuclear power production contributed to the levelling of global CO 2 emissions at 33 gigatonnes in 2019 1/.
Nuclear fusion is the process by which two light atomic nuclei combine to form a single heavier one while releasing massive amounts of energy. Fusion 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.
The IAEA has launched a new advisory service called INEAS to develop the nuclear energy education programmes needed for safe and sustainable nuclear power, as well as other types of nuclear science and technology.
50 Years of Nuclear Energy1 “The energy produced by breaking down the atom is a very poor kind of thing. Anyone who expects a source of power from the transformations of these atoms is talking moonshine.” Lord Ernest Rutherford, 1933.
The IAEA had another eventful year in 2024, taking its work to support peace and development even further out into the world. In other key areas of work, the Agency continued efforts to prevent a nuclear accident in Ukraine, monitored the release of treated water from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear ...
