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Going Nuclear: How Atomic Energy Will Save the World
What if climate change isn't an environmental challenge, but an energy challenge?
In this visionary book, Dr Tim Gregory urges us to rethink the path to net zero. He argues that the solution to climate change lies not simply in replacing fossil fuels with renewables, but in fully embracing another energy source that emits zero carbon dioxide: nuclear power.
Gregory dismantles the conventional wisdom that renewables such as wind and solar are completely ‘green’, and debunks myths surrounding nuclear waste and radiation, demonstrating that nuclear power is not only reliable, safe and potent, but the most environmentally responsible way to harvest energy.
Going Nuclear calls for decarbonisation to be the twenty-first century's Apollo programme. By interweaving scientific optimism, myth-busting data, and ambitious policy ideas, Gregory illustrates the boundless potential of the atom beyond just clean energy: from advanced medicine and forensics to atomic gardening and space exploration.
This is a bold case for an alternative, sustainable and prosperous future: a world in which abundant energy is available to all.
Energy is necessary for everything we value in life, and the world will need gargantuan amounts of safe and reliable power to eliminate poverty, decarbonise the economy, and feed entirely new demands like artificial intelligence. Going Nuclear shows where this energy will come from―and not as a last resort, but as the enabler of a new chapter in human progress. This is a thrilling book: vividly written, filled with fascinating facts, and inspiring in its vision for the future.
Steven Pinker ― Johnstone Professor, Harvard University, and the author of ENLIGHTENMENT NOW
Fascinating … You’ve won Jimmy over, I wish politicians answered like scientists. Informed facts over uninformed opinions. Great.
James O'Brien ― LBC
This book is a highly engaging and lucid primer on nuclear technology.
Steven Poole ― Telegraph
Deeply researched … persuasive ... a strong, carefully argued case.
Nick Rennison ― Mail on Sunday
You will struggle to find anyone who brings nuclear power to life quite like Tim Gregory. You can feel the enthusiasm jump from the page. There’s lots to debate, but I challenge you to read this book and not be excited about how we get on and power the world with sustainable energy for the next century.
Hannah Ritchie ― author of NOT THE END OF THE WORLD
[A] bible ... Gregory’s case is that nuclear power is humanity’s only hope. Carbon dioxide emissions would vanish as an issue in a nuclear world ... His argument is powerful and it would be interesting to see a counter argument by somebody ... who writes and thinks as well as Gregory. But perhaps there is no such person.
Bryan Appleyard ― The Spectator
A passionate, accessible, and timely manifesto that reframes nuclear energy not as a necessary evil but as humanity's most promising tool for addressing climate change, energy poverty and a sustainable future.
Kirsty Gogan ― Founding Director of Terra Praxis
Gregory is an excellent popular science writer: clear as a bell and gently humorous.
Dorian Lynskey ― The Guardian
A bold reframing of one of the most misunderstood technologies of the modern age. With clarity, wit and a scientist’s eye for precision ... This book stands out for its capacity to disarm. Nuclear power is here made not only comprehensible but also compelling ... In an age of climate anxiety and technological pessimism, Going Nuclear offers a hopeful alternative.
Tone Langengen ― Senior Policy Advisor (Climate and Energy Policy) at the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change
In this visionary book, Dr Tim Gregory urges us to rethink the path to net zero. He argues that the solution to climate change lies not simply in replacing fossil fuels with renewables, but in fully embracing another energy source that emits zero carbon dioxide: nuclear power.
Gregory dismantles the conventional wisdom that renewables such as wind and solar are completely ‘green’, and debunks myths surrounding nuclear waste and radiation, demonstrating that nuclear power is not only reliable, safe and potent, but the most environmentally responsible way to harvest energy.
Going Nuclear calls for decarbonisation to be the twenty-first century's Apollo programme. By interweaving scientific optimism, myth-busting data, and ambitious policy ideas, Gregory illustrates the boundless potential of the atom beyond just clean energy: from advanced medicine and forensics to atomic gardening and space exploration.
This is a bold case for an alternative, sustainable and prosperous future: a world in which abundant energy is available to all.
Energy is necessary for everything we value in life, and the world will need gargantuan amounts of safe and reliable power to eliminate poverty, decarbonise the economy, and feed entirely new demands like artificial intelligence. Going Nuclear shows where this energy will come from―and not as a last resort, but as the enabler of a new chapter in human progress. This is a thrilling book: vividly written, filled with fascinating facts, and inspiring in its vision for the future.
Steven Pinker ― Johnstone Professor, Harvard University, and the author of ENLIGHTENMENT NOW
Fascinating … You’ve won Jimmy over, I wish politicians answered like scientists. Informed facts over uninformed opinions. Great.
James O'Brien ― LBC
This book is a highly engaging and lucid primer on nuclear technology.
Steven Poole ― Telegraph
Deeply researched … persuasive ... a strong, carefully argued case.
Nick Rennison ― Mail on Sunday
You will struggle to find anyone who brings nuclear power to life quite like Tim Gregory. You can feel the enthusiasm jump from the page. There’s lots to debate, but I challenge you to read this book and not be excited about how we get on and power the world with sustainable energy for the next century.
Hannah Ritchie ― author of NOT THE END OF THE WORLD
[A] bible ... Gregory’s case is that nuclear power is humanity’s only hope. Carbon dioxide emissions would vanish as an issue in a nuclear world ... His argument is powerful and it would be interesting to see a counter argument by somebody ... who writes and thinks as well as Gregory. But perhaps there is no such person.
Bryan Appleyard ― The Spectator
A passionate, accessible, and timely manifesto that reframes nuclear energy not as a necessary evil but as humanity's most promising tool for addressing climate change, energy poverty and a sustainable future.
Kirsty Gogan ― Founding Director of Terra Praxis
Gregory is an excellent popular science writer: clear as a bell and gently humorous.
Dorian Lynskey ― The Guardian
A bold reframing of one of the most misunderstood technologies of the modern age. With clarity, wit and a scientist’s eye for precision ... This book stands out for its capacity to disarm. Nuclear power is here made not only comprehensible but also compelling ... In an age of climate anxiety and technological pessimism, Going Nuclear offers a hopeful alternative.
Tone Langengen ― Senior Policy Advisor (Climate and Energy Policy) at the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change
384 pages, Hardcover
First published June 12, 2025
75 people are currently reading
628 people want to read
About the author
Tim Gregory
2 books30 followersDr Tim Gregory is a nuclear chemist at the United Kingdom National Nuclear Laboratory where he counts radioactive atoms for a living. He is also a speaker and broadcaster. He has a PhD in isotope cosmochemistry from the University of Bristol and a first class master's degree in Geology with Planetary Science from the University of Manchester.
When he is not in the lab or writing, Tim is usually either hiking, fell running, or playing his guitar. You can get in touch with him via Goodreads or his website. (All views are his own, not those of his employer.)
When he is not in the lab or writing, Tim is usually either hiking, fell running, or playing his guitar. You can get in touch with him via Goodreads or his website. (All views are his own, not those of his employer.)
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
April 3, 2025
This is one of those rare books that turns your way of thinking on its head and makes you reimagine all those things you thought you knew.
If like me, nuclear science isn’t something you’d gravitate towards when looking for your next read, that would be completely understandable. Personally, I’ve not really thought about nuclear science since my GCSEs. But I have thought about climate change, and about protecting endangered species, and about renewable energy, and about the seemingly crazy mission to send humans to Mars, and about the terrifying prospect of nuclear war. Why do I mention these things? Because Gregory shows brilliantly how all of them can all be addressed through nuclear science. And, he does it in a digestible way (even for someone who is VERY far removed from being a scientist, like myself), with heaps of humour and optimism. His vision for a future powered by green nuclear energy (yes, nuclear power is in many senses, green… who knew?) makes me believe there’s hope for us all yet!
I’m sure this will be required reading in the years to come.
If like me, nuclear science isn’t something you’d gravitate towards when looking for your next read, that would be completely understandable. Personally, I’ve not really thought about nuclear science since my GCSEs. But I have thought about climate change, and about protecting endangered species, and about renewable energy, and about the seemingly crazy mission to send humans to Mars, and about the terrifying prospect of nuclear war. Why do I mention these things? Because Gregory shows brilliantly how all of them can all be addressed through nuclear science. And, he does it in a digestible way (even for someone who is VERY far removed from being a scientist, like myself), with heaps of humour and optimism. His vision for a future powered by green nuclear energy (yes, nuclear power is in many senses, green… who knew?) makes me believe there’s hope for us all yet!
I’m sure this will be required reading in the years to come.
September 25, 2025
This is a highly engaging and deeply well informed book. It is also a great balance between serious science and a well storied delivery. Very enjoyable, and I learned as much as I've probably ever learned from one book. It is refreshing to read something so based on science and facts and full of hope and ambition for the future. It continues a strong line of environmental positivity from Hans Rosling's 'Factfulness', Max Roser of Our World in Data and Hannah Ritchie's 'Not the End of the World'. Almost everything we instincively think about nuclear energy is at least strongly biased away from the truth. And this book is an excellent correction for that thinking, and hopefully will become as hugely influential as it's positive impact has the potential to have. Mighty nuclear stuff!
August 5, 2025
WOW! I picked this book up randomly in a bookshop and was immediately hooked by the writing style. Tim is such a brilliant science communicator!! He makes the world of nuclear not only understandable to a wide audience but also enjoyable. I have to admit I should probably have known a bit more about nuclear tech before reading this bcos of my chem degree but this definitely cleared everything up. Going into this book I really wanted to a) learn about nuclear b) understand how we can address nuclear waste and fallout and b) where can we get uranium from? All of these were very well answered and the whole book was well rounded!! would reccomend to anyone who has an interest in nuclear or is looking to learn more (or heck even if you are remotely interested in climate change, this book is also for you).
This book has also given me hope for a better and nuclear powered future, where we don't have to worry about energy and it's impact on the environment 🥹🫶
This book has also given me hope for a better and nuclear powered future, where we don't have to worry about energy and it's impact on the environment 🥹🫶
October 19, 2025
A non- fiction science book that is amazingly readable and has a 34 page bibliography? Sounds impossible but Tim Gregory has pulled it off. I’ve read 8 books about nuclear energy. This one is head and shoulders above all of them! If you want to fully understand all aspects of nuclear and be entertained, read this book!
June 30, 2025
An excellent book which makes a very strong case that, if we have environmental concerns and worry about what we are doing to our planet, then we need to embrace nuclear energy as part of the solution rather than, foolishly, consider it as a part of the problem. The introductory chapters are worthwhile for those who have limited knowledge of atomic sciences and do help make the book much more accessible.
June 24, 2025
Makes a good case
The author works in the industry and knows his stuff. He discusses both the advantages and disadvantages and shows that the former far outweighs the latter. The later part of the book has some interesting stuff on other uses of nuclear technology such as nuclear medicine and spacecraft power supplies.
The author works in the industry and knows his stuff. He discusses both the advantages and disadvantages and shows that the former far outweighs the latter. The later part of the book has some interesting stuff on other uses of nuclear technology such as nuclear medicine and spacecraft power supplies.
September 14, 2025
Environmental Realism - at last
Society fools itself into believing that solar and wind power are the solution, when simple math shows it is just tinkering at the edges of what is necessary. This book explains a real solution and highlights the irrationality of common fears. An important book that everyone should read.
Society fools itself into believing that solar and wind power are the solution, when simple math shows it is just tinkering at the edges of what is necessary. This book explains a real solution and highlights the irrationality of common fears. An important book that everyone should read.
August 18, 2025
Informative and thought-provoking
As an electrical engineer, I’ve long believed that nuclear power is essential to energize our future as a species. After reading Going Nuclear, I’m more convinced than ever. The time is now to move boldly into our nuclear future. I hope it actually happens.
As an electrical engineer, I’ve long believed that nuclear power is essential to energize our future as a species. After reading Going Nuclear, I’m more convinced than ever. The time is now to move boldly into our nuclear future. I hope it actually happens.
September 14, 2025
very good very nice
December 4, 2025
All the information is here and it started off pretty strong laying out the underpinning theory and current atomic models; from there it quickly became the usual enumeration of interesting related topics and a wikipedia-like walkthrough of facts and figures; the well intentioned young author comes over enthusiastic, which is a plus, but perhaps for now lacks the gravitas that would make this story a 5 star one.
August 9, 2025
Fascinating, enthralling, necessary in dispelling so many misplaced beliefs and ideas.
November 12, 2025
This was a very compelling book. Gregory does a great job of balancing persuasive writing, scientific understanding, and data insights. I feel much more hopeful about our energy future.
October 27, 2025
Excellent at explaining many misconceptions about using nuclear power, in addition explains about we use nuclear for medicine, farming, pest control, and even how we can expand use for the future. Makes excellent points including how there is enough nuclear fuel to power our current world demands for the next 900 years.
I would have liked to have seen an expansion on fusion power (only 1 paragraph) and then more explanation/background on fossil. Overall a solid read but too focused only at nuclear power. Does not discuss all power options as one should to get their point across if they claim their power source is the best option
I would have liked to have seen an expansion on fusion power (only 1 paragraph) and then more explanation/background on fossil. Overall a solid read but too focused only at nuclear power. Does not discuss all power options as one should to get their point across if they claim their power source is the best option
June 26, 2025
Book Review: Going Nuclear: How Atomic Energy Will Save the World by Tim Gregory
Tim Gregory’s Going Nuclear is a provocative and meticulously argued manifesto that reframes the climate crisis as an energy challenge rather than a purely environmental one. As a woman and a reader with a growing interest in sustainable solutions, I found myself both energized and unsettled by Gregory’s unapologetic advocacy for nuclear power. His scientific rigor is undeniable, yet what struck me most was his ability to weave technical expertise with a palpable sense of urgency—a combination that makes the book as compelling as it is controversial.
Gregory’s central thesis—that nuclear energy is the only viable path to net zero—challenges mainstream environmental discourse in ways that initially made me skeptical. However, his methodical dismantling of nuclear myths (safety concerns, waste management, and scalability) gradually reshaped my perspective. I was particularly moved by his comparison of decarbonization to the Apollo program—a rallying cry for collective ambition that resonated deeply. His vision of atomic energy extending beyond electricity to medicine, agriculture, and space exploration left me awestruck, though occasionally I wished for more concrete examples of how these applications could uplift marginalized communities disproportionately affected by energy poverty.
Emotionally, the book oscillated between hope and frustration. Gregory’s optimism about nuclear technology’s potential is infectious, yet his critique of renewable energy’s limitations sometimes borders on dismissive. As someone who champions intersectional environmentalism, I longed for a more nuanced discussion of how nuclear power could coexist with—rather than replace—community-led renewable projects. The absence of female voices in case studies or historical narratives (e.g., the contributions of women in nuclear science) also felt like a missed opportunity to broaden the book’s appeal.
Structurally, the prose is accessible but occasionally dense with technical jargon. While Gregory’s enthusiasm shines, some passages could benefit from more storytelling to balance the data-driven arguments. A deeper exploration of the socio-political barriers to nuclear adoption—particularly in the Global South—would have strengthened the book’s pragmatic relevance.
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5) – A bold, thought-provoking work that reframes the energy debate with conviction, though its narrow focus and occasional tonal imbalance leave room for broader inclusivity.
Thank you to Simon & Schuster and Edelweiss for providing a free advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
Tim Gregory’s Going Nuclear is a provocative and meticulously argued manifesto that reframes the climate crisis as an energy challenge rather than a purely environmental one. As a woman and a reader with a growing interest in sustainable solutions, I found myself both energized and unsettled by Gregory’s unapologetic advocacy for nuclear power. His scientific rigor is undeniable, yet what struck me most was his ability to weave technical expertise with a palpable sense of urgency—a combination that makes the book as compelling as it is controversial.
Gregory’s central thesis—that nuclear energy is the only viable path to net zero—challenges mainstream environmental discourse in ways that initially made me skeptical. However, his methodical dismantling of nuclear myths (safety concerns, waste management, and scalability) gradually reshaped my perspective. I was particularly moved by his comparison of decarbonization to the Apollo program—a rallying cry for collective ambition that resonated deeply. His vision of atomic energy extending beyond electricity to medicine, agriculture, and space exploration left me awestruck, though occasionally I wished for more concrete examples of how these applications could uplift marginalized communities disproportionately affected by energy poverty.
Emotionally, the book oscillated between hope and frustration. Gregory’s optimism about nuclear technology’s potential is infectious, yet his critique of renewable energy’s limitations sometimes borders on dismissive. As someone who champions intersectional environmentalism, I longed for a more nuanced discussion of how nuclear power could coexist with—rather than replace—community-led renewable projects. The absence of female voices in case studies or historical narratives (e.g., the contributions of women in nuclear science) also felt like a missed opportunity to broaden the book’s appeal.
Structurally, the prose is accessible but occasionally dense with technical jargon. While Gregory’s enthusiasm shines, some passages could benefit from more storytelling to balance the data-driven arguments. A deeper exploration of the socio-political barriers to nuclear adoption—particularly in the Global South—would have strengthened the book’s pragmatic relevance.
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5) – A bold, thought-provoking work that reframes the energy debate with conviction, though its narrow focus and occasional tonal imbalance leave room for broader inclusivity.
Thank you to Simon & Schuster and Edelweiss for providing a free advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
December 15, 2025
Its physics is airtight; its political economy is wishful thinking. On radiation myths, energy density, and land use, it is convincing. Nuclear emerges as efficient, practical, and unfairly vilified but the book repeatedly confuses what is physically possible with what institutions can actually deliver. Cost overruns, delays, and public resistance are not problems to be fixed; they are structural features of how democracies build large infrastructure. Recent Western projects offer little support for his optimism.
The book also frames nuclear as a dominant solution rather than one piece of a diversified grid. In practice, resilient energy systems draw from multiple sources: solar for cheap daytime generation, wind for variable but abundant power, geothermal for steady baseload in the right geology, gas for flexible peaking, and nuclear for dense, reliable output. Treating any single source as a silver bullet ignores how real grids balance cost, geography, and risk.
Related, he undersells nuclear's strongest niche applications: medical isotopes for cancer treatment, compact reactors powering deep-space probes, and small modular reactors for remote grids and industrial heat. These uses avoid much of the political friction that slows utility-scale plants while showing where nuclear is genuinely unmatched: high energy density in tight spaces.
An excellent primer on why nuclear deserves a seat at the table, and a weak explanation of why it struggles to claim one.
The book also frames nuclear as a dominant solution rather than one piece of a diversified grid. In practice, resilient energy systems draw from multiple sources: solar for cheap daytime generation, wind for variable but abundant power, geothermal for steady baseload in the right geology, gas for flexible peaking, and nuclear for dense, reliable output. Treating any single source as a silver bullet ignores how real grids balance cost, geography, and risk.
Related, he undersells nuclear's strongest niche applications: medical isotopes for cancer treatment, compact reactors powering deep-space probes, and small modular reactors for remote grids and industrial heat. These uses avoid much of the political friction that slows utility-scale plants while showing where nuclear is genuinely unmatched: high energy density in tight spaces.
An excellent primer on why nuclear deserves a seat at the table, and a weak explanation of why it struggles to claim one.
November 3, 2025
Gregory offered a convincing advocation for the rapid role out of nuclear power stations. I think I agree and don’t full understand the Green argument against it. It is safe and low carbon and reliable.
-1 star cos it talks about space. Idk I just find space really boring. This is just my opinion but like there’s so much cool stuff going on down here on earth and so much going wrong, I just don’t care or find it hard to get excited about going to space or starting a new life on mars.
-1 star for criticism of Greta T. Like yeah it’s kind of valid but it’s such a low blow imo. When the planets dying and it’s all going to shit why wld you waste your breath going after activists.
Also I found the writing style a bit boring and wanted something slightly more technical. Nuclear energy is really cool tho a good read all in all.
-1 star cos it talks about space. Idk I just find space really boring. This is just my opinion but like there’s so much cool stuff going on down here on earth and so much going wrong, I just don’t care or find it hard to get excited about going to space or starting a new life on mars.
-1 star for criticism of Greta T. Like yeah it’s kind of valid but it’s such a low blow imo. When the planets dying and it’s all going to shit why wld you waste your breath going after activists.
Also I found the writing style a bit boring and wanted something slightly more technical. Nuclear energy is really cool tho a good read all in all.
September 1, 2025
"Follow the science" say many politicians, and yet, so many (who say that) so completely fail to.
Tim Gregory takes on the tide of anti-nuclear rhetoric and policy with hard facts and.. uh... science. He explains how nuclear power actually works (well, I didn't really know...) and how effective and safe it can be.
He doesn't shy away from Chernobyl or Fukushima but points out the reality of those situations (ie neither were as apocalyptically horrifying as was made out).
His point is kind of simple - nuclear power is the ONLY sure-fire way to reach Carbon zero without losing all of the benefits of a high energy use world is via nuclear power. Solar, wind etc will just not cut it.
Gregory makes a very compelling case. Read this book and spread the word.
Tim Gregory takes on the tide of anti-nuclear rhetoric and policy with hard facts and.. uh... science. He explains how nuclear power actually works (well, I didn't really know...) and how effective and safe it can be.
He doesn't shy away from Chernobyl or Fukushima but points out the reality of those situations (ie neither were as apocalyptically horrifying as was made out).
His point is kind of simple - nuclear power is the ONLY sure-fire way to reach Carbon zero without losing all of the benefits of a high energy use world is via nuclear power. Solar, wind etc will just not cut it.
Gregory makes a very compelling case. Read this book and spread the word.
September 7, 2025
Very thorough review of the nuclear field and nuclear energy and the issues. Author makes a number of good points abut the safety vs other types of sources of energy. Economics and net zero impact are also discussed. Have to admit that at times it was very technical but there are helpful graphs and charts. He does point out the three majors accidents that have negatively impacted the industry but does make the case that we should rely on this type of energy as part of our migration in the future. Not sure who or what organization will pick up the effort to increase the usage. A lot of marketing and selling to the public will have to be done.
October 28, 2025
From Annie Jacobsen's 'Nuclear War' to Adam Higginbotham's 'Midnight in Chernobyl,' 'Going Nuclear' has nicely rounded off my understanding of atomic energy.
Naturally enough, after filling my head with doomsday and disaster, I was not easily inclined to believe our collective future should be nuclear-shaped.
Which is where this book gently but systematically broke down and countered each and every one of my arguments.
This book is scientifically informative without becoming bogged down by it. There are explorations into the past and glimpses into a nuclear powered future.
An absolute must read for all, and for me, a guaranteed re-read.
Naturally enough, after filling my head with doomsday and disaster, I was not easily inclined to believe our collective future should be nuclear-shaped.
Which is where this book gently but systematically broke down and countered each and every one of my arguments.
This book is scientifically informative without becoming bogged down by it. There are explorations into the past and glimpses into a nuclear powered future.
An absolute must read for all, and for me, a guaranteed re-read.
April 25, 2025
I enjoyed this book. Tim Gregory gives a fluid, well-paced account of nuclear energy, and he uses humour and cleverness to provide good storytelling. It is clear that the book cheerleads for nuclear power but I think that could have been toned down just a tad. On the other hand, the discussion about the use of nuclear power for other purposes, e.g., medicine and space, was excellent. And I enjoyed the epilogue, which I found very well thought out. Thank you to Edelweiss and Pegasus Books for the digital review copy.
August 14, 2025
Wonderful love letter to nuclear science, while staying objective and meticulously debunking all of the scary folklore surrounding nuclear energy. I would highly recommend this read to anyone interested in sustainability (environmental and economical alike), and especially to people who are scared of nuclear energy (Germans).
November 1, 2025
Well written, position and argued. The author writes as an evangelist for nuclear energy and technologies because he is one. This was an interesting book, there wasn’t much that was little new to me in a technical manner (although I did get to re-cover some forgotten chemistry), but the arguments made were thought provoking.
August 13, 2025
Outstanding
September 9, 2025
A lively and entertaining read that brilliantly communicates complex scientific concepts in an easy to grasp way.
November 10, 2025
Very engaging, well researched and convincing about the need for Nuclear
November 14, 2025
I think this book is a mandatory read! Everyone should read it. A seriously fantastic book.
December 3, 2025
This is a detailed memo on nuclear fission written for ordinary people, containing a lot of scientific history and dispelling myths and misconceptions about nuclear fission.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews