Nuclear energy has been shaped by political, social and technological forces, from its origins in atomic science to contemporary debates over climate and energy policy. The book “Nuclear Energy: Boom, Bust and Emerging Renaissance” written by Edward A. Friedman has explored the history and emerging developments of nuclear energy and assesses its potential role in addressing the challenges posed by the global climate crisis. Edward A. Friedman is an Emeritus Professor of physics and expert in nuclear energy policy. The book contains twenty-five chapters that systematically guide the reader through the scientific foundations, historical evolution and contemporary challenges of nuclear energy.

Chapters I to III describe the basic scientific principles of nuclear energy, including atomic structure, radioactivity and nuclear fission. Friedman has presented these concepts with clarity and ensured accessibility for non-specialist readers while maintaining scientific rigor. He has then transitioned to the wartime mobilization of nuclear science and argues that nuclear technology’s association with weapons profoundly shaped its political and social perception.

Friedman has also examined the post-war expansion of civilian nuclear programs under initiatives such as the US “Atoms for Peace” and “Atomic Energy Act of 1954” and creation of International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in 1957 to promote Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy. The author has discussed the Shippingport Reactor developed by the US in 1954 that produced about 60 MWe, enough electricity to supply roughly 11,000 average homes. In the years that followed, nuclear reactor designs advanced significantly, and typical output increased to around 1,000 MWe per reactor (Pg. 81).

In chapters IV to X, Friedman has documented the accelerated construction of reactors in the US, Britain, France, Russia, China and other countries during 1960s to 2000s. During the 1970s, mounting unrest in the energy sector was compounded by a surge in government regulation. The US federal agencies, including the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) imposed stricter oversight on utilities, alongside expanded state-level controls. As a result, the share of the US Gross National Product (GNP) subject to regulation rose sharply from 8.2% in 1965 to 23.7% in 1975. While price controls had posed few problems in the 1960s due to declining labor and material costs, the energy crises of the early 1970s dramatically changed conditions. The commodity prices climbed by 60-70%, and labor costs increased by 40% between 1970-1976 and placed significant financial strain on utility companies (Pg. 91).

Friedman has highlighted in chapter VII that in 1970s, France relied heavily on imported oil for most of its electricity generation. In 1974, Prime Minister Pierre Messmer unveiled an ambitious plan to shift France’s electricity production predominantly to nuclear power. The Messmer Plan initially proposed building approximately 80 nuclear reactors by 1985 and as many as 170 by 2000.  Although these targets were ultimately scaled back, France still managed to construct 56 reactors within about 15 years. As a result of this program, France emerged as a leader in nuclear energy among developed countries, with approximately 70% of its electricity generated from nuclear fission (Pg. 133).

The author has discussed in chapter VIII that Russia ranks among the leading nations in nuclear power production. It operates 36 nuclear reactors, which together generate about 20% of the country’s electricity. These include 8 Reaktor Bolshoy Moshchnosty Kanalny (RBMK) reactors, 22 Vodo-Vodyanoi Energetichesky Reaktor (VVER) reactors, 2 sodium-cooled fast reactors and 2 floating pressurized water reactors (PWRs). Additionally, Russia runs 2 small-capacity RBMK units designed to produce just 12 MWe each (Pg. 144-145).

In chapters XI to XIII, the author has highlighted the public opposition and nuclear accidents. He has mentioned that “public support for nuclear energy dropped below 50% after Three Mile Island and opposition surged into the mainstream (Pg. 179).” He has also explained about Chernobyl incident that the blast was chemical explosion, not nuclear, and occurred in the waste storage area (Pg. 187).

Friedman has highlighted that no amount of preparation could have prevented the devastation caused by the Tohoku earthquake on 11 March 2011. The earthquake measuring between magnitude 9.0 and 9.1 struck about 45 miles off Japan’s eastern coast. It triggered a massive tsunami that reached heights of up to 40 meters, and raced toward the shore at nearly 435 miles per hour. By 2021, official figures reported overall 19,759 deaths, with thousands more injured or missing. These casualties were caused by the tsunami itself and no death was caused by radiation from the Fukushima nuclear accident (Pg. 212-213).

In chapter XIV, Friedman has discussed the global energy consumption. He has highlighted that phasing out fossil fuels to eliminate carbon emissions from their use presents an enormous challenge. As of 2023, fossil fuels still accounted for about 81% of global energy consumption, with oil contributing 33%, coal 27% and natural gas 21%. The remaining 19% of the world’s energy supply came from nuclear power (6%), renewable sources including solar and wind (11%) and hydropower (2%) (Pg. 229).

In chapters XV to XXIII, Friedman has discussed Generation III and Generation IV reactors, Molten Salt Reactors, Liquid-sodium Reactors (LSRs), Liquid Lead-cooled Fast Reactors (LFRs), High-temperature Gas-cooled Reactors (HTGRs), Floating Nuclear Reactors, passive safety mechanisms and improved fuel technologies. He has highlighted Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) that generate up to 300 MWe as potential solution to high capital costs and safety concerns.

In chapter XVI, Friedman has addressed longstanding concerns regarding radioactive waste management, decommissioning and nuclear proliferation. Nuclear waste includes all radioactive materials generated from nuclear-related activities, such as commercial power production, nuclear medicine, fuel reprocessing, uranium mining and research reactors. It is classified according to its hazard level. By volume, about 90% of nuclear waste is considered low-level, including items like protective clothing, gloves and tools, which are relatively easy to manage. Approximately 7% is intermediate-level, such as used reactor components removed during maintenance. Only 3% qualifies as high-level waste, yet this small fraction accounts for roughly 95% of the total radioactivity. (Pg. 257).

The last chapter XXV, situates nuclear power within the context of global decarbonization efforts. Friedman has argued that achieving net-zero emissions will be difficult without reliable zero-carbon baseload nuclear generation.  As of 2021, the US greenhouse gas emissions were distributed across five main economic sectors: transportation accounted for 28%, electric power for 25%, industry for 23%, commercial and residential activities for 14% and agriculture for 10% (Pg. 355-356).

The author has mentioned that at COP28, the Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA) introduced a major initiative titled “Accelerating SMRs for Net Zero.” The program reflects rising global interest in using SMRs to help achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 (Pg. 365). According to United Nations projections, the global population, now exceeding 8 billion, is expected to reach 9.7 billion by 2050. As more people, particularly in countries such as China, India and Africa adopt higher levels of energy consumption, the demand for carbon-free energy will grow with increased urgency. This pressure is further intensified by the rapid expansion of electric vehicles and the substantial electricity needs of AI and digital technologies. If SMRs can be successfully manufactured at scale, they could play a significant role in meeting this rising demand for clean energy (Pg. 373).

Across its XXV chapters, the book moves coherently from scientific origins of nuclear energy to contemporary climate debates. The progression from historical narrative to policy analysis allows Friedman to demonstrate that nuclear energy’s trajectory has been shaped not only by technological progress but also by public perception and global strategic considerations. The book is beneficial for readers such as researchers, students, energy producers and policymakers.

Ms Hafsa Azam is a Research Officer at the Center for International Strategic Studies Sindh (CISSS).