This book is intended for readers who want to learn more about fourth-generation nuclear
reactors without having to delve deeply into nuclear technology. These nuclear reactors are a
number of visionary concepts for which special criteria have been set by the Generation IV
International Forum with regard to safety sustainability and economic efficiency. The book
therefore describes among other things innovative water- and liquid-metal-cooled reactors
high-temperature and molten-salt reactors and discusses their significance for the economy and
society.The author imparts relevant basic knowledge of nuclear technology and then uses some
illustrative examples to show what future opportunities this fourth generation of nuclear
reactors will offer but also what challenges will be associated with it.About the authorProf.
Dr. -Ing. Thomas Schulenberg studied physics and mechanical engineering and received his
doctorate in the field of sodium-cooled reactors. During his fourteen-year industrial career
he developed gas turbines for conventional power plants. Since 2000 Prof. Schulenberg was the
head of the Institute for Nuclear and Energy Technology at the Karlsruhe Institute of
Technology where he lectured on conventional power plant technology as well as nuclear power
plant technology. As a member of the steering committee for fourth-generation water-cooled
reactors he was actively involved in the Generation IV International Forum for many years.
