F1IE 4225 - Nuclear Energy Fundamentals

This course provides a comprehensive technical overview of nuclear energy and its general status worldwide. It gives an overview of its historical development. It recalls the basics of nuclear physics, in particular the fission process, and explains the chain reaction. On this basis, it presents the general operating principle of a nuclear reactor, and more specifically comments on its implementation in the design and operation of the water-cooled reactors which constitute the majority of current nuclear power reactors in the world. The course also covers the safety and security rules that apply to all nuclear facilities, and comments on the lessons learned from past reactor accidents. The nuclear fuel cycle is covered in some detail, from uranium mining to radioactive waste management, with a review of the measures taken to minimize the impact on humans and the environment. Proliferation risks are addressed through a number of significant events and a presentation of the history of treaties and the regulations put in place to control them.

The course also aims to cover the main considerations conditioning the future of nuclear power in France, Europe and the world, to combat climate change within a mix of other carbon-free energies. In particular, economic and business aspects are presented and discussed, as well as public perception and prospects opened up for applications other than electricity production, such as the supply of heat, hydrogen and synthetic fuels. The expected contribution of small modular reactors to these new applications, as well as the potential of reactor systems other than water-cooled reactors currently developing in other countries, are presented and discussed. Lectures on nuclear energy are complemented by an overview of other contributions of nuclear science to society such as nuclear medicine.

This course will enable future political decision-makers and executives involved in the nuclear or energy industry, to develop a clear understanding of nuclear energy and the challenges to be met to ensure its continued sustainable deployment worldwide.

Equivalent level of training at the “French Baccalaureate” with regard to basic sciences, in particular in math and physics (for example, knowledge of building blocks of matter). However, the courses will be tailored for students who do not have a solid scientific background or an in-depth technical skill. In this respect, the basic concepts needed to understand the lectures will be introduced as they are necessary.

For a typical 2-hour course: a lecture with slides (between an hour and an hour and a half), one or two movies (if applicable), and an open discussion.

Additional information:

The overall module of 12 weeks (12 courses of 2 hours) is shared between two teachers: Frank CARRE who covers technical aspects with 6 courses and Valérie FAUDON with 6 courses who addresses cross-functional issues such as strategic approaches, economy, social perception, and medical applications of radiations.

• Take home papers + oral presentations by a group of 3 or 4 students (topic: development and status of nuclear energy in different regions of the world)
• This may be complemented by a short multiple choice test depending on circumstances.

Additional information:

≤ 3 hours after each lecture, for the points 1 and 2 listed in the course workload. A few more hours for the preparation of oral and written presentations.