The history of nuclear energy began with the scientific discoveries in nuclear physics in the early 20th century.

In the 1930s, scientists discovered nuclear fission, the process of splitting an atom to release a large amount of energy.

This discovery was first harnessed for military purposes during World War II in the Manhattan Project, which developed the atomic bomb.

After the war, the focus shifted to finding peaceful applications for atomic energy, a program known as 'Atoms for Peace.'

The world's first nuclear power plant to generate electricity for a power grid began operation in the Soviet Union in 1954.

The 1960s and 1970s saw a major expansion of nuclear power plant construction around the world.

Nuclear power was promoted as a source of clean and cheap electricity.

However, public concerns grew over the safety of nuclear reactors and the problem of long-term storage for radioactive waste.

Major accidents at Three Mile Island (1979) in the U.S. and Chernobyl (1986) in the USSR severely damaged the industry's reputation.

In the 21st century, nuclear power is being re-evaluated as a potential low-carbon energy source to combat climate change.