With commitments to reduce carbon dioxide emissions, anxiety about the cost and continued availability of hydrocarbon fuels, and the questionable adequacy of renewable alternatives, interest in nuclear power has revived in the United Kingdom. Groups opposed to it have understandably raised objections, some based on valid concerns, some on misunderstandings of the science and technology involved.

In the belief that the essentials are comprehensible to almost anyone prepared to consider them, here is an account of the basic principles and of some particular aspects with which I have been professionally involved; also a position statement for the Sellafield Churches’ Forum of which I have been a member for the past five years.