How is Uranium used in a nuclear plant?

Uranium is used as a fuel in nuclear power plants. Uranium is typically enriched to a level of 3 to 5% U-235 before it is used in a reactor as fuel. This uranium fuel is then placed inside the reactor core where it is bombarded by neutrons, causing a process called fission that releases heat energy. This heat energy is used to create steam that drives a turbine generator, which in turn produces electricity. In addition to the electricity generated, residual nuclear waste is produced as a byproduct of this process. This waste must be stored safely and securely for, potentially, thousands of years.