EVALUATING NUCLEAR POWER IN THE U.S. AND ITS CLEAN FUTURE Xingzhou Li Introduction to GIS

Background  A massive earthquake and tsunami hit Japan’s east coast in March 2011, leading to the meltdown at Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant, which was evaluated as the most serious accident by the IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency) criteria.  This severe accident encouraged Japan, as well as the world, to rethink its energy policy.

Quick Facts  Over 430 commercial nuclear power reactors operating in 31 countries  Providing about 13.5% of the world’s electricity  (as of 2011) 65 nuclear power plants with 104 commercial reactors in the U.S.  Providing about 20% of the total energy generation in the U.S.  About 3 million Americans live within 10 miles of an operating nuclear power plant Sources: World Nuclear Association

Nuclear Power Plants in the World Sources: World Nuclear Association

Project Purposes  To evaluate the current situation of nuclear power in the U.S.  The distribution of nuclear power plants  The development trend of nuclear power  To analyze the safety of nuclear power plants in the U.S.  Potential impacts of nuclear power plants  To examine the clean future of the U.S. energy system: renewable energy as an alternative  The development trend of renewable power  The composition of renewable power

Where Are the Plants?

How Did Nuclear Power Production Change in the Past Years?

Are Nuclear Power Plants Safe?  “Nuclear power plants are very robust.” - World Nuclear Association  At least 3 possible adverse effects:  Accidents: Fukushima, Chernobyl, Three Mile Island  Health: Risk of cancer  Environment: Radioactive waste, Greenhouse gas emission

Accidents?

Cancer Risk?

Greenhouse Gas Emission?

Alternative: The Rise of Renewable Power  Due to the strong pressure from the public, the Japanese government decided to reduce the dependence of nuclear power to zero by the 2030s.  As an alternative to nuclear power, the government is attempting to promote the introduction of renewable energy, such as hydro, solar, wind, and geothermal powers, to establish a new sustainable energy system.  Renewable energy in the U.S.?

How Did Renewable Energy Develop in the U.S. in the Past Years?

Which Renewable Energies?

Next Steps  Choose some specific nuclear power plants, use data at smaller scales to fully analyze the impact of the plants  Analyze how renewable energy facilities should be developed in the U.S.

Skills Utilized  Insert map  Point graduated symbol  Aggregating attribute fields (Renewable energy)  Buffering  Geoprocessing (Clipping)  Geocoding (Nuclear plants in the U.S.)

Thank You!  Questions?