Fissionreactorbased

Fission reactor-based technologies describe energy systems that derive most of their heat and electricity from controlled nuclear fission in a reactor core. In these systems, heavy nuclei such as uranium-235 or plutonium-239 are split by neutrons, releasing energy as heat that is captured by a coolant to produce steam and drive a turbine.

Core components include fuel assemblies, a neutron moderator to slow neutrons, a coolant to transfer heat, control rods to regulate reactivity, and a containment structure to limit releases. The fission process is sustained by balancing neutron production with absorption and by adjusting reactor power.

Major reactor types include light-water reactors, which use ordinary water for cooling and moderation (pressurized and boiling variants); heavy-water reactors, such as CANDU designs, which use deuterium oxide as moderator; and gas-cooled or fast reactors, which use different coolants and neutron spectra. Molten-salt designs and small modular reactors are active areas of development.

Safety is central to fission reactor-based systems. Features include multiple barriers, emergency cooling, rapid shutdown, and robust containment. Regulators oversee licensing, waste handling, and decommissioning. Spent fuel and other radioactive wastes require long-term management and isolation.

Ongoing research aims to improve safety, efficiency, and flexibility, with efforts on advanced fuels, enhanced cooling, and modular designs. Fission-reactor-based power remains a substantial part of energy portfolios in many regions, despite competition from alternative technologies.