Definition and interpretation of sustainable development. International programs, aspirations, conventions dealing with the study of sustainable development. Energy production, the development of energy production methods and their role in sustainable development. Global and local energy options and markets and the main issues, trends; international supply/demand for nuclear power. Energy distribution systems and their related geopolitical challenges; national choices for the operation of energy generation and distribution systems (peak/baseload); electricity producing technologies and characteristics in relation to the grid, especially with respect to reliability, cost and need for baseload following and backup generation. Primary energy resources, security of energy supply, the relationship between energy supply and economic independence. Global warming, Kyoto agreement, climate protection. Comparison of different energy production methods. The role of renewable energy sources and nuclear power generation in a sustainable energy mix. Development of nuclear energy utilization, physical bases. Technical design and types of nuclear reactors. Nuclear energy systems, fissile material stocks, their comparison with other primary energy carriers’ resources. Effects of radioactive radiation on living organisms. Radioactive waste and by-products from nuclear energy production. Management and final disposal of radioactive waste and spent fuel. Safety and environmental impact of nuclear power plants. International collaborations in the field of nuclear energy utilization and non-proliferation. Incidents and special nuclear power plant events, nuclear power plant accidents, causes, consequences and impacts (e.g. Chernobyl, Fukushima). Non-power use of nuclear energy (medical, agricultural, industrial, etc.). The role of nuclear energy utilization in meeting domestic electricity needs. The peaceful use of nuclear energy in Hungary.