NUCLEAR ENERGY

By Aastha Sharma

What Is Nuclear Energy

Nuclear energy is energy in the nucleus
(core) of an atom.
Atoms are tiny particles that make up every
object in the universe.
There is enormous energy in the bonds that
hold atoms together.

Types Of Nuclear Reactions

There is two types of Nuclear Reactions i.e.
Nuclear fusion and Nuclear fission
In Nuclear Fusion, energy is released
when atoms are combined or fused together
to form a larger atom. This is how the sun
produces energy.
In Nuclear Fission, atoms are split apart to
form smaller atoms, releasing energy.
Nuclear power plants use nuclear fission to
produce electricity.

Types Of Nuclear Reactions

Potential Of Nuclear
Energy
Nuclear power has the potential to expand
beyond its historical role for electric power
production.
Non-electric applications of nuclear energy
are believed to be a key solution for
building a sustainable future for current and
coming generations.

Potential Of Nuclear
Energy

Inside View Of Nuclear

Reactor

Nuclear Reactors in India

As
of
2013
,Indiahas
21nuclear
reactorsin operation in 7nuclear power
plants, while 6 morereactors are under
construction and will be operational by late
2016.

Nuclear Power in World

There are about 440 commercial nuclear
power reactors operable in 31 countries.
About 65 more reactors are under
construction.
They provide over 11% of the world's
electricity as continuous, reliable base-load
power, without carbon dioxide emissions.
56 countries operate a total of about 240
research reactors and a further 180 nuclear
reactors power some 140 ships and
submarines.

Nuclear Power in World

Nuclear Power in World

France gets around three-quarters of its power from
nuclear energy.
While Belgium, Czech Republic, Finland, Hungary,
Slovakia, Sweden, Switzerland, Slovenia and
Ukraine get one-third or more.
South Korea and Bulgaria normally get more than
30% of their power from nuclear energy.
While in the USA, UK, Spain, Romania and Russia
almost one-fifth is from nuclear.
Japan is used to relying on nuclear power for more
than one-quarter of its electricity and is expected to
return to that level.

Nuclear Power in World

Disadvantages Of Nuclear
Energy
Initial construction costs - It takes longer to build
a nuclear plant than coal or natural gas plant.
Overall costs can be high and often construction
can be politically charged.
Radioactive waste by product - Waste (spent
fuel) and radiation must be contained and must
be handled safely and securely.
Storage
Natural disasters
Public perception - Public concerns center around
radiation, waste containment, and proliferation.

Advantages Of Nuclear
Energy
Clean - Nuclear power plants do not emit
carbon dioxide. No products are burned.
Emissions released by a nuclear power plant
are water vapor.
Plentiful Supply - There is a large supply of
nuclear fuel (Uranium) and costs are low to
retrieve it.
Operating cost is low after construction
Nuclear can provide power quickly when
other sources are down.

New Nuclear Technologies

Modular (small scale reactors) These are nuclear

power plants that are smaller in size than current
generation base load plants. These reactors are
built to withstand major environmental events.
These modules reduce construction time, capital
costs, increase flexibility of sitting, and allow for
multiple generation sources on one site.
Breeder reactors - Breeder reactors could increase
the amount of energy extracted from Uranium
while reducing the amount of radioactive waste
products.

Nuclear Power Plant

Disasters