How can nuclear energy be conserved?

Engineers are working on several next generation reactor designs, some of which would use thorium in place of uranium. Reactor designs that use less fuel per unit of energy produced are more efficient and contribute to the preservation of uranium reserves.

However, the nuclear industry is now struggling to stay alive with no new reactors being proposed or built in most western countries. Fears over reactor accidents and what to do with radioactive wastes are slowly killing the industry. Nuclear facilities are also very costly (up to $5 Billion to build) and so very few private sector companies are willing to risk that much money on an uncertain fuel. Consequently, any new proposed reactors would likely have to be funded by government.

Nuclear energy can be conserved through measures such as improving the efficiency of nuclear power plants, implementing stricter regulations to prevent waste and leakage, promoting the development of advanced nuclear technologies, and encouraging the use of nuclear energy in combination with renewable energy sources to optimize energy production. Additionally, investing in research and development of nuclear fusion, which has the potential to provide virtually limitless clean energy, can contribute to conserving nuclear energy in the long term.