Nuclear fission : Nuclear fission is the process in which the nucleus of a heavy atom, such as uranium or plutonium, is bombarded by a neutron, causing it to split into smaller nuclei, as well as release additional neutrons and a large amount of energy in the form of heat.

Reaction Control : To keep the fission process under control, a reaction control system is used. Usually, neutron-absorbing materials, such as graphite or boron, are placed around the reactor to regulate the number of neutrons and keep the chain reaction at a controlled level.

Heat Generation : The energy released in the form of heat during fission is used to heat water and produce steam. This steam is directed to a turbine, which is connected to a generator. When the steam pushes the turbine blades, it spins the generator, producing electricity.

Cooling : Nuclear reactors must be cooled to prevent overheating. Usually, water is used as a cooling agent. It absorbs the heat produced by the fission reaction and evacuates this heat through a cooling system.

Security : Nuclear power plants are equipped with multiple safety systems to prevent accidents and minimize risks in the event of an incident. This includes emergency cooling systems, containment systems to contain radiation in the event of a leak, and radioactive waste management procedures.

Waste Management : An important aspect of nuclear energy is the management of radioactive waste produced by the fission process. This waste must be stored safely for extremely long periods of time to minimize risks to the environment and public health.

In summary, nuclear energy is produced by the process of nuclear fission, which releases energy in the form of heat. This heat is then converted into electricity through a steam generation system and turbines.

Nuclear reactor :
The nuclear reactor is the heart of the plant where the nuclear fission reactions take place. It contains nuclear fuel, such as enriched uranium or plutonium, as well as moderators and reactor controls to regulate nuclear reactions.

Steam Generator :
The steam generator is responsible for converting the heat produced by the reactor into steam. It consists of several tubes through which the water heated by the reactor circulates. This water is transformed into high-pressure steam that will be directed to the turbine.

Steam Turbine :
The steam turbine is connected to the steam generator. When the high-pressure steam produced by the steam generator enters the turbine, it rotates the turbine blades. This rotation converts the thermal energy of the steam into mechanical energy.

Generator :
The generator is connected to the turbine and converts the mechanical energy produced by the turbine's rotation into electrical energy. It works according to the principle of electromagnetic induction.

Cooling System :
Nuclear power plants are equipped with cooling systems to remove the heat produced by the reactor. This can include cooling towers, cooling water circuits, heat exchange systems, and more.

Security Systems :
Nuclear power plants are equipped with multiple safety systems to prevent accidents and minimize risks in the event of an incident. This includes reactor control systems, emergency cooling systems, containment systems to contain radiation in the event of a leak, and electrical backup systems.

Control and Surveillance System :
Nuclear power plants are equipped with sophisticated control and monitoring systems to continuously monitor reactor performance, radiation levels, safety conditions, etc.

Nuclear Waste Storage :
Nuclear power plants must manage the radioactive waste produced by the nuclear fission process. This involves the safe and secure storage of radioactive waste in appropriate facilities.

Pressurized Water Reactors (PWRs) :
Pressurized water reactors are the most common types of reactors used in nuclear power plants around the world. They use pressurized water as a cooling and moderating agent. The water heated by the reactor inside the primary circuit is kept at a high pressure to prevent it from boiling. This heat is then transferred to a secondary circuit through a heat exchanger to produce steam, which drives a turbine connected to a generator producing electricity.

Boiling Water Reactors (BWR) :
Boiling water reactors are similar to pressurized water reactors, but in this case, the water inside the reactor is allowed to boil in the primary circuit. The steam produced is directly used to turn the turbine, without the need for a secondary circuit. These reactors are commonly used in nuclear power plants designed by General Electric.

Heavy Water Reactors (CANDU) :
Heavy water reactors, also known as Canada Deuterium Uranium (CANDU) reactors, use heavy water (containing hydrogen deuterium) as a moderator and light water as a cooling agent. They are mainly used in Canada and some other countries. These reactors can use natural uranium as fuel, making them flexible in terms of fuel supply.

Fast Neutron Reactors (FNR) :
Fast neutron reactors use fast neutrons rather than thermal neutrons to cause fission reactions in nuclear fuel. They can use different types of fuel, including uranium and plutonium. Fast reactors have the potential to produce more fuel than they consume, making them attractive for long-term energy production and nuclear waste management.

Molten Salt Reactors (MSR) :
Molten salt reactors are an emerging technology that uses molten salts as fuel and as a cooling agent. They offer potential safety and efficiency benefits, as well as the ability to use nuclear fuels at higher concentrations, which could reduce the amount of nuclear waste produced.