All the energy we produce comes from basic chemical and physical processes.

This has primarily been accomplished throughout history by burning carbon-based materials like wood, coal, and gas, or by harnessing energy from the sun, wind, and water.

Fission and fusion are two physical processes that produce enormous amounts of energy from atoms.

They produce millions of times more energy than other sources thanks to nuclear reactions.

Fission occurs when a neutron hits a larger atom, forcing it to become excited and disperse into two smaller atoms, also called fission products. Additional neutrons are also released and can trigger a chain reaction.

Fusion occurs when two atoms collide to form a heavier atom, such as when two hydrogen atoms fuse to form a helium atom.

It's the same process that powers the sun and creates enormous amounts of energy, many times greater than fission. It also does not produce highly radioactive fission products.

Nuclear power is a carbon-free energy source that brings resilience and reliability to our nation's power grid.
The Office of Nuclear Energy works with industry and other stakeholders to extend the life cycles of our current reactor fleet and to develop new technologies that will help meet future environmental and energy goals.

Follow the Office of Nuclear Energy on social media:

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