This report, written largely to appeal to both those who are familiar with nuclear power generation, and those who would like to be, focuses its attention on the problems of energy production in general, and specifically considers nuclear power and the issues in the current nuclear debate. By providing quantitative arguments and citing comparisons with the other energy alternatives, while addressing each issue in turn — from the questions of energy supply and demand, to operations, economics, safety, and waste disposal — it is hoped that the case for nuclear power, and the CANDU* reactor system in particular, will become abundantly clear. On a more sociological level, the influence of energy utilization on the quality of life is considered, and the public perception of nuclear power is analyzed, with primary emphasis on the management of public opinion, and the role of this opinion in market determination. In all, this report seeks to summarize the pertinent aspects of nuclear power operation, showing quantitatively, that CANDU reactors, today and in the future, promise to provide the world with a safe and economical energy system, capable of meeting the growing demands for thousands of years to come.

Master of Engineering (ME)

Thesis