Nuclear fission currently provides a significant 'carbon free' contribution to both US and global energy needs. Despite the initial promise of nuclear energy, growth has been slow in recent decades (particularly in the US), and many dismiss its potential for the future. However, we are now seeing the first new orders for reactors in the US in 30 years, and dozens of new power reactors are being built around the world. This talk will address the current status and future potential of nuclear energy, including current constraints on growth and the potential technology developments that might enable nuclear to provide large-scale and long-term energy for society. Discussion topics include:

• Safety of nuclear power plants (including insights from Fukushima)

• Economics of nuclear energy

• Waste management options

• Scale and Sustainability vs alternatives

• Proliferation issues

• How about Fusion?