Nuclear power is harnessed around the world today to produce low-carbon electricity. The convergence of the climate change and energy crises underlines the need for clean, safe and reliable energy sources. In this episode, guests talk about the role of nuclear power to achieve net zero goals and energy security.

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For decades, fusion energy has been a distant dream offering the prospect of almost limitless clean energy. But now with burgeoning private sector involvement and major scientific breakthroughs occuring regularly, it seems like fusion's realization is getting closer than ever. In this episode, experts explain the science behind fusion and the challenges that must be overcome before this source of energy could be powering our homes. 

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With more than 19 million new cases and 10 million deaths in 2020 alone, the global annual cancer burden is expected to grow. Radiotherapy is one of the most widely used therapies for cancer treatment.

Nuclear technologies are helping countries around the world achieve development objectives, including many of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. For instance, nuclear supports the zero hunger goal by facilitating the development of improved plant varieties: plants with higher yields and increased tolerance to the effects of climate change.

Underlying the use of nuclear power is safety. Experts in this episode discuss nuclear safety and how the 2011 accident at the Fukushima-Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant ushered in a new era in power plant safety. Our guests discuss how safety is perceived and how the nuclear industry has improved and continues to improve the safety of its operations.

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In the previous episode of Nuclear Explained, the basics of nuclear reactors and nuclear power were introduced. In this episode, advanced reactors, including small modular reactors (SMRs), are further discussed. While nuclear reactors have evolved, they have remained a constant source of low-carbon electricity. In this episode, we hear from:

Nuclear reactors have been used to generate electricity for decades. The past, present and future of nuclear reactors and nuclear power is discussed in this episode, with guests:

Zoonotic diseases, including COVID-19, and their relationship to nuclear, take centre stage in the first episode, with guests:

The IAEA’s new podcast, Nuclear Explained, reveals how nuclear is integrated in and benefits so many aspects of our daily lives. Complementing a series of explanatory articles, the podcast’s monthly episodes will feature interviews with top experts from around the world.

Send us your questions and feedback to nuclearexplained AT iaea.org.