NUCLEAR ENERGY

By Aastha Sharma

Nuclear energy is energy in the nucleus (core) of an atom.

Atoms are tiny particles that make up every object in the universe.

There is enormous energy in the bonds that hold atoms together.

What Is Nuclear Energy

There is two types of Nuclear Reactions i.e. Nuclear fusion and Nuclear fission In Nuclear Fusion, energy is released

when atoms are combined or fused together to form a larger atom. This is how the sun produces energy.

In Nuclear Fission, atoms are split apart to form smaller atoms, releasing energy. Nuclear power plants use nuclear fission to produce electricity.

Types Of Nuclear Reactions

Types Of Nuclear Reactions

Nuclear power has the potential to expand beyond its historical role for electric power production.

Non-electric applications of nuclear energy are believed to be a key solution for building a sustainable future for current and coming generations.

Potential Of Nuclear Energy

Potential Of Nuclear Energy

Inside View Of Nuclear Reactor

As of 2013 , India has 21 nuclear reactors in operation in 7 nuclear power plants, while 6 more reactors are under construction and will be operational by late 2016.

Nuclear Reactors in India

There are about 440 commercial nuclear power reactors operable in 31 countries. About 65 more reactors are under construction.

They provide over 11% of the world's electricity as continuous, reliable base-load power, without carbon dioxide emissions.

56 countries operate a total of about 240 research reactors and a further 180 nuclear reactors power some 140 ships and submarines.

Nuclear Power in World

Nuclear Power in World

France gets around three-quarters of its power from nuclear energy.

While Belgium, Czech Republic, Finland, Hungary, Slovakia, Sweden, Switzerland, Slovenia and Ukraine get one-third or more.

South Korea and Bulgaria normally get more than 30% of their power from nuclear energy.

While in the USA, UK, Spain, Romania and Russia almost one-fifth is from nuclear.

Japan is used to relying on nuclear power for more than one-quarter of its electricity and is expected to return to that level.

Nuclear Power in World

Nuclear Power in World

Initial construction costs - It takes longer to build a nuclear plant than coal or natural gas plant. Overall costs can be high and often construction can be politically charged.

Radioactive waste by product - Waste (spent fuel) and radiation must be contained and must be handled safely and securely.

Storage Natural disasters Public perception - Public concerns center around

radiation, waste containment, and proliferation.

Disadvantages Of Nuclear Energy

Clean - Nuclear power plants do not emit carbon dioxide. No products are burned. Emissions released by a nuclear power plant are water vapor.

Plentiful Supply - There is a large supply of nuclear fuel (Uranium) and costs are low to retrieve it.

Operating cost is low after construction Nuclear can provide power quickly when

other sources are down.

Advantages Of Nuclear Energy

Modular (small scale reactors) – These are nuclear power plants that are smaller in size than current generation base load plants. These reactors are built to withstand major environmental events. These modules reduce construction time, capital costs, increase flexibility of sitting, and allow for multiple generation sources on one site.

Breeder reactors - Breeder reactors could increase the amount of energy extracted from Uranium while reducing the amount of radioactive waste products.

New Nuclear Technologies

Nuclear Power Plant Disasters