Science 101: What is Nuclear Energy?

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Argonne’s Science 101 series takes you back to the basics, with plain-language explanations of the scientific concepts behind our pivotal discoveries and our biggest innovations.

In this Science 101, Roger Blomquist, a Principal Nuclear Engineer in the Nuclear Engineering Division, breaks down nuclear energy—the world’s largest and most reliable source of resilient power.

Tens of millions in America rely on nuclear energy each day to generate the electricity that power their homes. The process of converting nuclear energy into electricity begins in a nuclear reactor.

In a reactor, atoms of an element known as uranium split, creating heat. That heat is used to generate steam then the steam is used to turn a wind turbine, which in turn produces electricity.

With support from the DOE, Argonne scientists are exploring new reactor designs and fuel recycling technologies aimed at improving safety, increasing the efficiency of nuclear plant operations, and minimizing nuclear waste.

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ABOUT ARGONNE
Argonne National Laboratory seeks solutions to pressing national problems in science and technology. The nation’s first national laboratory, Argonne conducts leading-edge basic and applied scientific research in virtually every scientific discipline. Argonne researchers work closely with researchers from hundreds of companies, universities, and federal, state and municipal agencies to help them solve their specific problems, advance America’s scientific leadership and prepare the nation for a better future. With employees from more than 60 nations, Argonne is managed by UChicago Argonne, LLC for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Science.

The U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Science is the single largest supporter of basic research in the physical sciences in the United States and is working to address some of the most pressing challenges of our time. For more information, visit the Office of Science website.