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This paper focuses on nuclear power's application to electricity generation, noting that its military and foreign policy implications cannot be ignored and thus must be considered. We first set out a sustainability framework for assessing electricity industry design options and discuss the key issues for nuclear power in this context. We then review nuclear power's troubled past and contested present. Nuclear power's uncertain future is explored through three general scenarios of how nuclear power might fare, broadly classified as decline, business as usual, and renaissance. Finally, we discuss how societies might make decisions about the future of nuclear power as well as the role of the engineering profession in that process [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This paper addresses the air emissions of grid supply versus grid-connected and off-grid photovoltaic power generation, using the framework of life-cycle assessment, in the context of rural household energysupply in Australia. Emissions of carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide andnitrous oxides are calculated for the three life-cycle stages of manufacture, use and disposal. Sensitivities to materials and data inputs, as well as to component efficiencies, lifetimes and sizing are discussed. For each supply option, demand management options, including insulation and appliance choice, and the substitution of solar heating or bottled gas for electricity, are considered. The best option in all cases, in terms of life-cycle air emissions, is a grid-connected photovoltaic system used to supply an energy-efficient household witha mix of solar, gas and electric appliances. However, in financial terms, with current Australian energy prices, this option represents ahigh capital and life-cycle cost. Additionally, for the grid options, electricity costs do not significantly disadvantage the high demandscenarios. Both results provide a clear illustration of current Australian energy-pricing policies being in conflict with long-term environmental sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]