...POSITION PAPER: COMMERCIAL NUCLEAR POWER Authors Thomas B. Cochran Christopher E. Paine Geoffrey Fettus Robert S. Norris Matthew G. McKinzie Natural Resources Defense Council issue paper: october 2005 Natural Resources Defense Council issue paper Commercial Nuclear Power ABOUT NRDC NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council) is a national, nonprofit organization of scientists, lawyers and environmental specialists dedicated to protecting public health and the environment. Founded in 1970, NRDC has more than 1 million members and e-activists nationwide, served from offices in New York, Washington, Los Angeles and San Francisco. For more information, visit www.nrdc.org. Copyright 2005 by the Natural Resources Defense Council. Natural Resources Defense Council issue paper Commercial Nuclear Power EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Because of the sheer magnitude and urgency of the global climate challenge, the United States must consider all forms of energy—as long as they do not otherwise undermine international and environmental security. Unfortunately, the nuclear power industry in its present state suffers from too many security, safety, and environmental exposure problems and excessive costs to qualify as a leading means to combat global warming pollution. Large-scale nuclear plants remain uneconomic to build. And while the nuclear fuel cycle emits little global warming pollution, nuclear power still poses globally significant risks that need to be further reduced, including:...
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...Topic : THE BENEFITS OF NUCLEAR TECHNOLOGY OUTWEIGH THE DISADVANTAGES. DO YOU AGREE OR DISAGREE? GIVE REASONS FOR YOUR ANSWER Nuclear power, which is generated by splitting of the atom, is one of the most modern energy today. Nuclear power has many benefits over other energy resources, particularly older methods such as oil, coal and hydroelectricity. It is more efficient than these traditional sources of energy and the raw materials needed to produce it occur commonly throughout the natural world. Nuclear power is said to be the modern, progressive way to meet the energy crisis, also be the solution of dependence on imported oil and natural gas in many countries. And the rate of accidents in the industry has been relatively low - not higher than in other energy industries. People argue that nuclear power is the modern, progressive way to meet the energy crisis. In the early 20th century, scientist discovered how to create energy through the use of highly radioactive elements such as Uranium. A tiny piece of Uranium about the size of a golf ball has the same amount of stored energy as 2.300.000 pounds of coal. That is 19 train cars of coal. This tremendous amount of energy, which is released from the Uranium in a nuclear reactor, can provide huge numbers of electricity for community. For example, over 100 nuclear power plants now generate 20% of The United State’s electricity. It is generally accepted that nuclear power reduces dependence on foreign oil and natural...
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...Nuclear Power During a time of hatred, indifference, and excessive pride for one’s country there was a war, a war between the Axis of Evil of WWII the major players being Germany, Italy, and Japan against the United States and its allies. The war caused a lot of deaths and casualties in addition to the destruction of whole cities during the combat. On the morning of August 6, 1945, Hiroshima, Japan was bombed with the most lethal weapon in world history, “The Atomic Bomb.” Not only did this seal up the victory for the U.S. and the world, but it also destroyed the lives of many innocent people of Japan. This part in history brings up the controversy that we are still facing today. Is pursuing nuclear power the right way to go? Some proclaim that it is a great alternative to electric power, an alternative that can help the economy by way of reducing cost. According to the report of a major European study of the external costs of various fuel cycles, focusing on coal and nuclear, was released in mid 2001. It shows that in clear cash terms nuclear energy makes about one tenth of the costs of coal (ExternE). But there is another group of people who think that nuclear power is harmful to the earth and the military uses from it can cause nations to fall and the earth to be heavily contaminated. With the thought of earth in the picture the use of nuclear power not only can harm this planet but it can also help it as well. This is because researches have found out that nuclear...
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...Discuss the view that nuclear power can be managed so that it is an environmentally sustainable source of energy For nuclear power to be considered sustainable source of energy it musn’t deplete resources or causes long term environmental damage for future generations. Because it is a non-renewable energy source it cannot be classed as a sustainable source as it will run out in 200 years at current consumption. However, it can be thought of as an environmentally sustainable source of energy if managed the correct way. Unlike other non-renewable energy sources such as coal, nuclear power does not release any CO2 emissions, which is a strong positive of its use. This will also contribute to the government’s aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 20% by 2020. However, the production of nuclear power isn’t all green as building the power station produces a lot of CO2. Another reason why nuclear power can be environmentally sustainable is because it does not release any ash or sulphur dioxide which would damage ecosystems and food chains in the surrounding area. For example, France produces 78% of their electricity from nuclear power and they have the cleanest air in Europe; proving that polluting the environment is minimal. On the other hand, nuclear power produces radioactive waste that is extremely damaging to the environment and can scar the landscape for hundreds of years. Consequences such as human, animal and plant deaths and illnesses, destruction of the...
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...1. Nuclear power and solar power: Goal: Which is better for people? Argue Solar power is better than Nuclear power Points: * Pollution free – production * Safety * Convenience Human beings have been using fossil fuels for hundreds of years, satisfying the demand of industrialization. The behavior of using fossil fuels, on the other hand, causes huge pollution, such as soil, water and atmosphere contamination. In addition, fossil fuels, such as solid, liquid and gas, are all facing on the exhaustion. It is evidential that the situations need to be checked or repressed. However, the solutions should satisfy the urgent requirement of energy as well. Nuclear and solar energy are two clean, practicable solutions for human beings. Because they have been tested and been put to use since the mid twentieth century. On the surface, nuclear and solar energy seem absolutely different in other aspects except for low direct pollution and practicability. In fact, they share some significant similarities while they are totally different in other aspects. This essay will concentrate on comparing and contrasting nuclear and solar energy by discussing the similarities in gas emissions, high expend in increasing efficiency and electricity price, and the differences in safety and equipments. There are numerous similarities between nuclear and solar energy. The most significant one is that they are pollution-free and have no direct emission of carbon dioxide or other greenhouse gases...
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...Nuclear Power Plant Design for the United Arab Emirates The United Arab Emirates (also referred to as the UAE or the Emirates) is a relatively young country that has established a powerful world economy in a short period of time. After breaking ties from the United Kingdom just over four decades ago, the UAE has quickly developed one of the most appealing economies for foreign investment in Western Asia. The Emirates’ largest cities, Dubai and Abu Dhabi, are significant business gateways between the Middle East, Africa and Asia. Leveraging its prime geographical location and plentiful oil and natural gas reserves, the UAE has endeavored to develop its economy to the point that “today, [the Emirates] feels proud of [its] world-class and highly-ranked sea and air ports, which have strongly positioned the UAE as a main hub for trade and travel worldwide,” according to UAE Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed. This improvement-centric mindset coupled with strategic reinvestment in infrastructure sets the United Arab Emirates on a path towards long-term global impact in many business indices. Figure [ 1 ] http://data.worldbank.org/country/united-arab-emirates S S Figure [ 1 ] http://data.worldbank.org/country/united-arab-emirates S S Over the past decade foreign direct investment (FDI) has swelled around the attractive business sector of the United Arab Emirates. Since its inception in 1971, the Emirates’ economy has grown exponentially, with gross domestic...
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...everybody know about nuclear energy? When most of you think of the word nuclear you might think of bombs. We talk about clean energy and most of you think of water or wind power, but there are some big drawbacks to those and through this I would like to educate you about another source. I. What is nuclear power? Nuclear power is when you harness the power of radioactive metals decaying (that is where they constantly keep losing electrons). The power is then used to heat water into steam and then using the pressure built by the steam to turn a turbine to create energy. A. Advantages The benefit to nuclear power is that it is a sustainable energy source (meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs) and it reduces carbon emissions. It also decreases the dependence on foreign oil. B. Disadvantages Disadvantages are that there have been accidents in the past such as Chernobyl or Three Mile Island that scare people. The biggest disadvantage though is storing nuclear waste and how it is handled. The waste is harmful and can accidentally or purposely be used to harm people and the environment. II. Comparing common sources of clean energy There are many clean energy sources but the most common are wind and water. These two are thought of and talked about often. A. Air power Wind power is a great source of power because it is inexhaustible...
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...Nuclear power and hydropower, both are able to produce energy without releasing fossil fuels into the air. They are both inexpensive to run but they are expensive to build. Both of these clean air options have advantages and disadvantages. Nuclear power plants have had some major disasters in the past, which make people hesitant of building more. You have to think about the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster and 20th century Chernobyl nuclear meltdown. We have to consider what is best for our environment and if the risk outweighs the benefits. Hydropower was developed many years ago by the “1900’s it accounted for more than 40 percent of United States electricity.” (BOR, 2009) Hydropower produces clean renewable energy that does not release any greenhouse gases and the water evaporates back into the atmosphere. Cost of running hydropower plant is not expensive and can work for years without needing repairs. They provide recreational area, tourist attraction, and controls flooding. The disadvantages “hydropower facilities can have large environmental impacts by changing the environment and affecting land use, homes, and natural habitats in the dam area.”(Turk & Bensel, 2011) There are high investment costs to build a hydropower plant. Hydropower plants can damage the ecosystem by killing off fish and plants. This can affect the fish and their ability to migrate. Therefore, everything has its drawbacks we have to figure out if it is worth it. Nuclear power plants have...
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...Nuclear Power Professor: Dr. Timothy Scott Class: Senior Seminar – Environmental Ethics Date: June 9, 2010 By: CT Nguyen History The first successful experiment with nuclear fission was conducted in 1938 in Berlin by the German physicists Otto Hahn, Lise Meitner and Fritz Strassman. During the Second World War, many nations get on the program to develop nuclear energy, focusing first on the development of nuclear reactors. Several nations began their own construction of nuclear reactors at this point,, although research was also being conducted into the use for civilian electricity generation , primarily research was for weapons use. Electricity was generated for the first time by a nuclear reactor on December 20, 1951 at the EBR-I experimental fast breeder station near Arco, Idaho, which initially produced about 100 kW. December 1953, a speech by President Dwight Eisenhower, "Atoms for Peace", set the US on a course of strong government support for the international use of nuclear power. On June 27, 1954, the world's first nuclear power plant that generated electricity for commercial use was officially connected to the Soviet power grid at Obninsk, USSR. The reactor was moderated; water cooled and had a capacity of 5 megawatts (MW). The second reactor for commercial purposes (1956) was Calder Hall in Sellafield, England, a gas-cooled reactor with a capacity of 45 MW. The Shippingport Reactor (Pennsylvania, 1957), a pressurised-water reactor, was the first...
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... M.B.A. 2012-14 Nuclear Power in India Introduction Electricity demand in India is increasing rapidly. The per capita electricity consumption figure is expected to double by 2020, with 6.3% annual growth, and reach 5000-6000 kWh by 2050, requiring about 8000 TWh/yr then.. It aims to supply 25% of electricity from nuclear power by 2050. Because India is outside the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty due to its weapons program, it was for 34 years largely excluded from trade in nuclear plant or materials, which has hampered its development of civil nuclear energy until 2009. Nuclear power in India India is ranked sixth in the world's elite nuclear club, with its 20th nuclear-powered reactor at Kaiga in Karnataka as of 2010. Nuclear power provided 3% of the country's total electricity generation in 2011. Nuclear power generation is likely to grow by 17.1% in the current financial year due to improved availability of uranium and rise in installed capacity. Nuclear projects Nuclear Power Corporation of India, is building the first two 1,000-megawatt units at a cost of $2.6 billion on Tamil Nadu’s coast. Russia and India agreed on the loan terms for two additional nuclear reactors at the Kudankulam power plant. The operations will start in august and this delay is due to clearance to load fuel into the reactor. NPCIL has identified four new sites...
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...and significantly shift our power supplies from oil, coal, and natural gas… energy sources.” McKibben is just one of millions of Americans who continue to search for a viable source of energy that can power the world in a efficient, and safe manner. This is why America needs to convert to nuclear power as our source for energy. Although some say nuclear plants are major targets for terror attacks, nuclear power is the clearest choice for America’s energy because it is safe, extremely efficient, and presents no real threat to the environment. Firstly, nuclear power is an extremely safe option for our energy. According to The New York Times (2011), “American nuclear safety regulators… determined that the simultaneous failure of both emergency shutdown systems that are designed to prevent a core...
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...heat and light . The only practical short term solution for the energy-crisis is nuclear power. Nuclear power, however is not as safe as burning coal, gas or oil in a factory it is in fact, much more dangerous, There are dangers associated with a nuclear power plant which far out weigh the benefits to society as a whole and in part to the community living and working around the power plant . About 20 percent of our nation's total electrical consumption per year is supplied by nuclear power from the 100 or so nuclear power plants throughout the country . Even though atomic power has been in use for over 50 years it was primarily a tool of war and destruction when the war ended need for atomic bombs diminished . The scientists who created the weapons were out of jobs . They then turned this destructive power into huge plants generating "clean and cheap " electricity for the country . It was called progress. Progress also brought with it sickness , mutations , cancer and eventually death to those exposed to high levels of radiation . Government declared that nuclear power is safe and efficient . Also have big Oil corporations who have a lot of money invested in nuclear power and want to see as many plants as possible put into and kept in operation . The truth is that accidents do happen at nuclear power plants and at other facilities all the time . An accident at a nuclear power plant has the potential to be much more devastating than an accident at a coal...
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... CF15 8FG. 10th April 2012 Nuclear power planning committee, London. LD1 3TB. Dear Sir/Madam, As a result of the current discussion to having a nuclear power plant built in our area, I have outlined some of the advantages and disadvantages or this energy source. Nuclear power can be seen advantageous due to the fact it emits relatively low amounts of carbon dioxide (CO2). The emissions of green house gases are low and therefore the contribution of nuclear power plants to global warming are relatively little. However; the problem of radioactive waste is still unsolved. The waste is very dangerous and has to be disposed of very carefully and looked after for 10,000 years according to United States Environmental Protection Agency standards. The technology of this power source is readily available; it does not have to be developed first. Nevertheless; during the operation of nuclear power plants, radioactive waste is produced, which in turn can be used for the production of nuclear weapons. In addition, the same know-how used to design nuclear power plants can to a certain extent be...
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...Brittany Money Professor Costello R&W 305W 22 October 2014 Nuclear Power a Solution to Climate Change Climate change is all around us whether someone believes it for themselves or not. From the melting ice caps in Antarctica to the rising seas of Bangladesh. The increase of temperature in the earths atmosphere are rapidly getting worse and the reason for it is the burning of fossil fuels. We as a country, need to make a change in how we produce electricity to help our earth become a more sustainable place for our future children. A great solution to this issue we are facing is nuclear power. Nuclear power has its advantages and disadvantages just like any other form of energy. Although I believe that the advantages out weigh the disadvantages making it the perfect fit to replace fossil fuels. Nuclear power does have its disadvantages, with one being the fear of nuclear accidents. What happened at Chernobyl was the worst nuclear accident the world has seen. Although even that accident isn’t as damaging to the earth as what is happening to our earths atmosphere as we omit carbon dioxide, burning fossil fuels to power our electricity (The Right 61). Another disadvantage of nuclear power is the radioactive waste that the reactors produce. If not stored properly this waste can omit radiation into the air harming many people around the plant. Even with the potential harm scientist are able to dispose of it by solidifying it then it gets buried underground (Chandler). When its...
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...To whom it may concern, I write to you today to say that nuclear is the way to go, not only is it beneficial to the environment, but it will completely stop black outs. The only down side is the nuclear waste but I have researched methods of disposing the radioactive matter. South Australia currently have two coal power stations, ten gas turbines, two thermal gas stations, two reciprocating gas stations, one hydroelectricity and eleven wind farms. A few large nuclear power plants would help lower Australia’s green house emissions, and also stop black outs. As for the radioactive waste new storage designs which are 9 inches thick and are covered with shuttle tiles, this may allow the waste to be shot into the sun, removing it forever. Two other ways used are geological disposal (which is basically find extremely deep tunnels e.g. Old mines and just dumping it there) or deep water dumping (dumping in the ocean sealed in containers). The waste could also be used in making weapons of mass destruction, which would greatly help us during war and would also make other countries scared of us. I hope upon making your decision you consider my points and views. To whom it may concern, Australia should not even be considering nuclear power as the way of the future, there are much safer and greener for the environment over all (as in construction and waste) such as wind farms, solar power or geothermal. Geothermal is low cost, use a small amount of energy to run and does not produce...
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