Why is uranium used in nuclear power plants?

? About 11% of the world's electricity is generated from uranium in nuclear reactors. This amounts to over 2500 billion kWh each year, as much as from all sources of electricity worldwide in 1960. read more

Uranium undergoes spontaneous fission at a very slow rate, and emits radiation. Uranium-235 (U-235) is only found in about 0.7 percent of uranium found naturally, but it is well-suited for producing nuclear power. read more

Uranium based power plants produce plutonium which can be used to make nuclear war heads. Thorium power plants are inherently safer and produce less dangerous waste products, but do not support nuclear weapons production. read more

It is this process, in effect "burning" uranium, which occurs in a nuclear reactor. The heat is used to make steam to produce electricity. Inside the reactor. Nuclear power stations and fossil-fuelled power stations of similar capacity have many features in common. Both require heat to produce steam to drive turbines and generators. read more