Nuclear Energy

Introduction

Nuclear energy is a form of energy that can be harnessed from an atomic nucleus, and can be released by radioactive decay, fusion, or fission. This source of energy makes use of the power of nuclear reactions to release energy for the use of electricity, heating, and also propulsion. The first ever successful experiment with nuclear fission was conducted in 1938, and has paved the way for the development of nuclear energy since then. Currently, nuclear energy amounts to about 17% of the world's energy.

How Is It Done?

Nuclear energy is released when materials like uranium, is concentrated so that nuclear fission occurs in a chain reaction. The chain reaction releases energy that can be used to heat up water, and the steam from the heated water can then be used to turn a turbine, and can be then converted into electrical energy.

Analysis of Energy Source

Availability

Nuclear energy can be readily available to nations with the technology to build nuclear reactors, and the proper research and development in this area. Also, having uranium mines in the country will help the process.

Nuclear energy is widely used in the US , and also in Europe . There are also nuclear power plants in Asia, such as North Korea , and also in Iran , and these plants have recently gathered much controversy and hype over some safety issues.

Cost

A nuclear energy plant can cost more to build than those of coal or natural gas plants. But however, in a long term perspective, coal and natural gas are actually more expensive than nuclear fuel. This evens out the cost of nuclear energy, and thus in the long run, nuclear energy may actually be cost-effective too.

Level of Technology

Nuclear energy has a few different types of plants, and different types of technology associated with it. This thus requires a considerable amount of research and effort put into development of nuclear energy in a country. The technology for nuclear energy has rapidly evolved since 1938 when the first experiment was conducted. As such, this type of energy may only be available to those average or better countries in terms of science and technology, as a good level of scientific expertise is needed for such a project.

Transport and Accessibility

Nuclear power plants have to be located further away from cities or populated area, as there are radioactive rays and possible health concerns and safety issues. Thus, such power plants are usually located out of town or in rural places. Thus, the need to transport the electricity from the plant to other places where the energy is needed arises. There will no doubt be additional costs for such transportation of the electricity.

Feasibility

Nuclear energy is cheaper in the long run as compared to other sources such as coal or natural gas, and from a scientific perspective, it can also be quite successful, as much research has been done since 1938. It is quite developed today, and supplies a major part of the world's energy needs.

However, there are also many safety concerns, such as the radioactivity from such power plants, and also the possibility of a nuclear accident, which could result in dire consequences in case of a radioactivity leak.

However, nuclear energy has not really been commercialized, and experts predict that it will only be commercialized by 2050. This energy source can be feasible, or not feasible, depending on what the public and government's stand is on the energy source, as some are supportive, while others are not.

Government Policies

The governments in different countries have different views on nuclear energy. Some regard it as a dangerous source of energy, with possible radioactivity leaks and accidents, and possible terrorist attacks, while others think of it as a feasible energy source for the future.

Some governments fund the projects of such nuclear energy. But there are also governments that are against nuclear energy. Recently, the nuclear power plants in Iran and North Korea have caused much controversy, amidst talks by the UN for them to cease operations of their power plants, due to possible risks and such.

Environmental Concerns

There are a couple of environmental concerns on nuclear energy. Firstly, there is the concern of how the radioactivity can cause possible health problems to people. However there has been studies in the US , Europe, and also Canada . The findings generally come to a consensus that people living near nuclear facilities have no increased mortality rate of cancer.

Also, in 2006, it was actually found that in the US , several nuclear plants leaked water that was contaminated with tritium into the ground, which was an environmental concern. This could put the people and plants and crops at risk, as the water is polluted. A lawsuit has been filed by the Attorney General of Illinois against the power plants, demanding that they provide an alternative source of water for the people.

Examples

There are quite a few nuclear power plants in the US , Europe, and some over Asia . They provide quite a substantial portion of energy for their own countries. Below is a picture of a power plant in Cattenom , France .