Nuclear Energy: Power & Process
- Sylvia Rose
- Apr 5
- 5 min read
Nuclear energy uses the power of the atom, the fundamental constituent of matter. Atomic energy is released through nuclear fission or nuclear fusion. Nuclear power has its pros and cons.
Process 1: Nuclear Fission
This is the common procedure. The process splits a heavy atom like uranium-235 or plutonium-239 into smaller atoms. A neutron colliding with these unstable elements does the trick.
Splitting releases a huge amount of energy as heat and radiation. This is because the smaller nuclei have less binding energy than the original, heavier nucleus.
Additional neutrons created by the process trigger further fission reactions and create a chain reaction. While one atom releases only a small amount of energy, the vast energy created comes from splitting trillions.
Process 2: Nuclear Fusion
This is the opposite process, where light atoms, like isotopes of hydrogen (deuterium and tritium), are forced together under extreme heat and pressure to form a heavier atom, like helium.
This process also powers the sun. It releases more energy than fission.
Scientists actively research fusion as a potential power source for the future, due to its energy abundance and cleaner output.
The process releases energy because the combined mass of the resulting single nucleus is less than the mass of the two original nuclei. Excess mass converts into energy.
How Nuclear Reactors Produce Energy
Nuclear reactors are designed to control and use energy released from nuclear fission.
Fuel: The reactor core contains nuclear fuel, such as enriched uranium pellets. A single uranium fuel pellet, the size of a pencil eraser, can produce as much energy as a ton of coal.
Chain Reaction: Neutrons bombard the uranium atoms, initiating a controlled chain reaction.
Heat Generation: Uranium fuel pellets undergo fission upon absorbing neutrons, releasing heat.
Coolant: A coolant, typically water, circulates through the reactor core, absorbing the heat.
Steam Production: The heated coolant transfers its heat to water, producing steam.
Turbine and Generator: The steam drives a turbine, which in turn spins a generator to produce electricity.
Control Rods: Control rods, made of neutron-absorbing materials like boron or cadmium, are used to regulate the chain reaction and prevent it from becoming chaotic. They absorb neutrons and can be inserted further into the core to slow down the reaction or withdrawn to speed it up.
Various reactor designs exist, such as pressurized water reactors (PWR) and boiling water reactors (BWR). They all use the same core principles of fission and energy generation.
Nuclear Energy on Earth
The primary use of nuclear energy is electricity generation, producing 10% of the world's electricity supply. France creates 70% of its electricity from nuclear power.
Other countries like Canada and China use nuclear energy for efficiency and lower greenhouse gas emissions compared to fossil fuels. Beyond electricity, nuclear energy is important in medicine.
In nuclear medicine radioactive isotopes are used for therapy in cancer treatment. Nuclear energy is used in research ranging from tracing chemical pathways in biology to testing material at the atomic level.
Nuclear Energy in Space
Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generators (RTGs): These convert the heat from natural decay of radioactive materials, such as plutonium-238, directly into electricity.
RTGs powered numerous spacecraft, including the Voyager probes, which traveled over 1, the Cassini orbiter, and Mars rovers Curiosity and Perseverance. VGER probes have traveled over 18 billion km (11 billion mi).
Nuclear Thermal Propulsion (NTP): This emerging technology uses a nuclear reactor to heat a propellant, like hydrogen, to extremely high temperatures. It's then expelled through a nozzle to generate thrust.
Nuclear Power on Lunar and Martian Bases: Nuclear reactors can provide a reliable and continuous source of electricity in environments where solar, hydroelectric and wind energy are limited or unavailable.
Nuclear Reactors & Warfare
While nuclear power plants aren't designed for warfare, they have indirect implications. Technology and materials of power production are historically a concern in proliferation, or spread of nuclear weapons technology.
The same process used to generate electricity can also produce nuclear weapons, raising concerns about security and proliferation. Nuclear power plants may also be targets in conflicts. Any damage has disastrous effects.
Countries successfully develop nuclear weapons by enriching uranium or creating plutonium in reactors. The dual-use dilemma requires regulations and international agreements. These are often used to political advantage.
Nuclear Energy: Advantages & Disadvantages
Advantages
Low Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Nuclear power plants produce virtually no greenhouse gases during operation, making them a valuable tool in combating climate change.
High Energy Density: Nuclear fuel has an enormous amount of energy compared to fossil fuels, requiring less fuel to produce the same amount of electricity.
Reliable and Continuous Power: Unlike renewable energy sources like solar and wind, nuclear power plants can operate continuously, providing a stable and reliable source of electricity.
Energy Independence: Countries with nuclear power plants can reduce reliance on imported fossil fuels, promoting energy independence.
Disadvantages
Nuclear Accidents: The risk of nuclear accidents, although low, can have catastrophic consequences. Historical events are the Chernobyl disaster in 1986 and the Fukushima incident in 2011. Consequences of reactor failures include environmental contamination and serious health problems.
Radioactive Waste: Nuclear fission produces radioactive waste that remains hazardous for thousands of years. Finding safe and permanent storage solutions for this waste is a major challenge.
Proper disposal of nuclear waste is one of the biggest disadvantages in nuclear energy. Highly radioactive spent fuel needs to be stored to prevent contamination.
For used fuel designated as high-level radioactive waste (HLW), storage is the first step, to allow decay of radioactivity and heat. This makes handling safer.
Used fuel may be stored in specially made ponds or dry casks, either at reactor sites or centrally. Ocean disposal is internationally banned in 1993. The problem, as with human carbon sequestration and space debris, is accumulation over time.
High Initial Costs: Nuclear power plants are expensive to construct.
Radiation Exposure: Workers in nuclear facilities are potentially exposed to radiation. Safety protocols must be rigorously maintained to protect health and as always, avoid lawsuits and negative publicity.
To address these risks, newer reactors are engineered with advanced safety features. Governments enforce strong regulations on nuclear facility operations. For example, Canada's list is here.
Facts About Nuclear Energy
The first commercial nuclear power plant starts operating in Shippingport, Pennsylvania in 1958.
There are 440 nuclear power plants operating worldwide, producing 10% of global electricity.
Nuclear fusion is considered the "holy grail" of energy production due to its potential for clean, abundant energy. Achieving controlled and sustained nuclear fusion remains a major challenge.
France relies on nuclear energy for about 70% of its electricity.
Interest in nuclear fusion continues to rise, with projects like ITER aiming to make fusion a potential energy source in coming decades.
New reactor designs, such as small modular reactors (SMRs) and advanced reactors, are in process to enhance safety, reduce waste, and improve efficiency.
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