Book excerpt: These volumes are a component of Encyclopedia of Water Sciences, Engineering and Technology Resources in the global Encyclopedia of Life Support Systems (EOLSS), which is an integrated compendium of twenty one Encyclopedias. These volumes discuss on Large-scale power production which requires the use of heat in a thermodynamic cycle to produce mechanical work, which in turn can generate electrical energy. Substantial quantities of fuel are hence required to sustain the production of heat. Fuel may be combustible, as in the case of fossil fuels such as coal and oil, or fissionable, as in the case of nuclear fuels such as uranium. All fuels produce waste products, which must be discharged, dumped, or stored. Such products range from innocuous water vapor to hazardous nuclear waste. These volumes are aimed at the following five major target audiences: University and College Students Educators, Professional Practitioners, Research Personnel and Policy and Decision Makers