Despite ongoing political and environmental opposition, nuclear energy is expected to play an expanding role in our overall energy mix in the years to come. Nuclear energy generates much less greenhouse gas than does energy from fossil fuels.
Chemical engineers routinely work with nuclear engineers to design, develop, monitor, and operate nuclear power plants in the safest, most efficient manner possible. These scientists are also involved with the production, handling, use, and safe disposal of nuclear fuels.
Although few nuclear power plants have been built in the United States in recent decades, most existing plants have been modified to incorporate state-of-the-art advancements. Spearheaded by chemical engineers, these advancements have been developed to
- Improve safety,
- Increase power output, and
- Extend operating life.
