14 Nuclear non - proliferation

Nuclear power holds the promise of a sustainable, affordable, carbon-friendly source of energy for the twenty-first century on a scale that can help meet the world's growing need for energy and slow the pace of global climate change. However, a global expansion of nuclear power also poses significant challenges. Nuclear power must be economically competitive, safe, and secure; its waste must be safely disposed of; and, most importantly, the expansion of nuclear power should not lead to further proliferation of nuclear weapons. This chapter provides an overview of the proliferation risks of nuclear power and how they could be managed through a combination of technical, political, and institutional measures. 14.2 Synopsis