This policy brief, from Harvard University, explores research and development (R&D), cost and performance issues that the nuclear power sector needs to consider if the industry is to meet the growing demand for carbon-free energy. Based on surveys it offers estimates of the costs and performance of this research, and potential benefits that could be gained over the next 20 years.

A key finding is that current levels of public investment in nuclear power technologies will not lead to a major reduction of the cost of nuclear plants by 2030. Instead, many of today’s R&D programmes are focused on capabilities such as extending uranium resources or improving waste management and safety. The authors acknowledge that the Fukushima accident has highlighted the need for better preparedness and has undermined confidence in nuclear energy. The report concludes that development of nuclear power should address issues aside from R&D such as getting public acceptance and support from governments.

This briefing paper from the US Pacific Research Institute explores three potential regulatory frameworks for nanotechnology: prohibiting it, limiting it to military applications, and regulating research into civilian applications.

It says an outright ban is unworkable and restricting its use to military applications would deny humanity of many of its potential benefits.

The paper therefore concludes that a combination of modest regulation, research into applications that are of interest to civilians, and the promotion of self-regulation, is they best way to harness nanotechnology's benefits whilst minimising risk. It examines the benefits and applications of such a system in the context of research, use and export, and of professional ethics and inherent safety.