NUCLEAR ENERGY What is it? David J. Diamond Energy Sciences & Technology Department February 2009
THE SOURCE: FISSION E = mc2 Fission is the splitting of a nucleus into two or more separate nuclei of comparable mass One neutron interacts with one “fissionable” nucleus (Uranium for example) Results are: Fission Products – Two heavy nuclides One heavier than the other (Average ratio of ~ 2 : 3 ) Neutrons – 2.43 on average emitted / fission Important that more neutrons are produced than are used to cause one fission Gamma rays, beta particles Energy !! E = mc2
NUCLEAR ENERGY FOR ELECTRICITY PRODUCTION Currently produces 20% of U.S. electricity 104 operating units in the U.S.
U.S. NUCLEAR POWER PLANTS
NPPs AROUND THE WORLD
PERCENT OF ELECTRICITY FROM NUCLEAR ENERGY
TOP 10 NUCLEAR GENERATING COUNTRIES 2007, Billion kWh Enter text Source: International Atomic Energy Agency, U.S. is from Energy Information Administration Updated: 5/08 7
NUCLEAR ENERGY FOR ELECTRICITY PRODUCTION Currently produces 20% of U.S. electricity 104 operating units in the U.S. 19 UTILITIES ARE PROPOSING TO LICENSE 34 NEW UNITS IN THE NEXT FEW YEARS 17 applications for 24 units already before the Nuclear Regulatory Commission Some purchasing of components has begun but no firm orders expected until licensing more advanced An energy source the public should understand
BOILING WATER REACTOR
PRESSURIZED WATER REACTOR
NUCLEAR POWER PLANTS
NPPs IN FINLAND
AREVA VIDEO CLIP
WATER SYSTEMS
CONTROL ROOM
NUCLEAR POWER PLANTS ARE THE PRODUCT OF: Nuclear Engineers Mechanical Engineers Electrical Engineers Civil Engineers Human Factors Experts Computer Engineers/Scientists Etc.
WASTE DISPOSAL A concern to many people Used (spent) nuclear fuel consists of ceramic pellets encased in metal tubes Current solution: On-site storage at NPPs
DRY STORAGE IN CASKS ON SITE
WASTE STORAGE Long term solution financed by nuclear utilities in cooperation with U.S. government Yucca Mountain: one site for high-level radioactive waste makes it easy to monitor, regulate, and secure DOE: Required to design, construct, operate EPA: Required to set standards to protect public and environment NRC: Required to approve/license DOE proposal
YUCCA MOUNTAIN SITE
TRANSPORTATION Over the last 40 years, 3,000 shipments of spent nuclear fuel on 1.7 million miles of U.S. roads Each shipment carefully packaged and monitored Casks are ~15 times thicker than a gasoline tank truck shell and include 3 inches of stainless steel with thick lead radiation shields Typically for every ton of spent fuel there are 3 tons of protective packaging
THE FUTURE OF NUCLEAR POWER IN THE U.S. 51 NPPs have obtained extensions of their 40-year license to enable operation to 60 years--41 more are pending Many plants have increased their power: 5900 MW of new nuclear electricity has been added (equivalent to adding 6 new units) 19 UTILITIES ARE PROPOSING TO LICENSE 34 NEW UNITS IN THE NEXT FEW YEARS 17 applications for 24 units already before the Nuclear Regulatory Commission Some purchasing of components has begun but no firm orders expected until licensing more advanced
WHY NUCLEAR ENERGY SHOULD BE AN OPTION -- MARCH 15TH Energy Security is National Security Uranium is a domestic source of energy Competitive Costs No Climate-change Releases Proven Record Concentrated Form of Energy