1. Exploring Nuclear Energy

2. Nuclear Fusion and Fission
Nuclear Fission
Small nuclei into large
Immense temperature and pressure
Core of stars
Large nuclei into small
Critical mass to sustain
Two isotopes we use
Iron is the “dead end” of both fusion and fission – it is the lowest energy nucleus and cannot be split or fused.

3. Top 5 Nuclear Generating Countries, 2015
Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration, International Energy Statistics

4. U.S. Electricity Production, 2016
Natural Gas
Coal
Nuclear
Hydropower
Petroleum
Wind
Biomass
Geothermal
Solar
Data provided by US EIA Net Generation by Energy Source

5. Nuclear Energy Production
State
% Electricity from Nuclear
U.S. Total
19.9%
South Carolina
58.1%
New Hampshire
57.1%
Illinois
53.4%
Connecticut
48.4%
Maryland
44.3%
New Jersey
44.2%
Pennsylvania
41.6%
Tennessee
40.0%
New York
33.0%
Virginia
32.7%
North Carolina
32.4%
Alabama
31.3%
Arizona
30.6%
Michigan
28.0%
Data: Nuclear Energy Institute

6. Anatomy of a Nuclear Power Plant
Source: NRC

7. Anatomy of a Nuclear Power Plant
Source: NRC

8. Advantages of Nuclear Power
Clean
Plentiful Supply
High energy content in uranium
Small fuel pellet
Can provide base load power
Energy savings in transportation
Operating cost is low after construction

9. Drawbacks to Using Nuclear Power
Initial construction costs
Radioactive waste byproduct
Storage
Natural disasters
Public perception

10. For More Information
The NEED Project Energy Information Administration U.S. Department of Energy