It is found in many places in the world. Energy from uranium is called nuclear energy. Power generated from a nuclear reaction is similar to that of fossil fuels because they all use heat to turn blades (turbines) to generate power. A nuclear power plant uses uranium as fuel. Uranium pellets are combined into large fuel assemblies and placed in a reactor core. In that chamber (reactor), uranium atoms can be made to split, or fission, to release heat. 'Fission' is the process of splitting the uranium atom to form smaller atoms. A kilogram of natural uranium produces as much heat as 20 tonnes of coal. This is harnessed to make steam and generate power.