...Can nuclear energy be a main alternative energy socio-economically rather than other alternative energy to decrease global warming? Introduction Nowadays it seems that most people recognize about the severity of global warming. Houghton (1997) believes that increasing alternative energy rather than using fossil fuels is very important to decrease global warming. Therefore, I chose this topic: Can nuclear energy be a main alternative energy socio-economically rather than other alternative energy to decrease global warming? This assignment will identify why serious global warming started and discuss about nuclear energy as an alternative energy. Finally, it will be examined how people think about nuclear energy used to decrease global warming. Global warming by human activity According to Houghton (1997), since Industrial Revolution fossil fuels such as coal, oil and gas are being burnt worldwide rapidly and a lot of carbon dioxide from burning the fossil fuels is promoting global warming. Giddens (1998) stated that many scientists believe the main cause of global warming is carbon dioxide increased. Carbon dioxide which is one of green house gas such as methane, water vapour and nitrous oxide absorbs heat and then re-emit on the earth. So, with carbon dioxide increase, temperature rises on the earth (Carter, 2010) Wyatt (2008) stated that “Industrial revolution stimulated a major increase in production and mass consumption. The ancient sources of power-human...
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...I believe that the future nuclear power plant in the East Pennsboro Township, should not be built. The current effects of both the Chernobyl and Fukushima nuclear power plants are something to consider before the construction of this power plant. While TMI was safely decommissioned, we learned during TMI’s years of service that accidents can happen and the disadvantages still outweigh the advantages of nuclear energy. As you know the chain reaction caused a meltdown and radiation leak throughout the plant. Also, many wrong decisions during the management of the Chernobyl nuclear plant caused a big nuclear explosion, just like in Fukushima where the operations done by the staff were highly questionable. Even with the advanced technology we...
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...The Benefits Of Powering Our Future With Nuclear Energy February 26, 2015 The Benefits Of Powering Our Future With Nuclear Energy A significant issue that impacts the American economy today is the increasing demand for energy, the availability of fuel, and the rising cost of electricity. There are many Americans who have anti-nuclear views for many different reasons related to safety, security and economics. These Americans oppose the construction of new nuclear plants because they are focused solely on the potential negative aspects of nuclear power generation such as radiation exposure and terrorism. These concerns are legitimate; however, evidence suggests that America should support building more nuclear power plants because nuclear power is a safe, economic and environmentally sound energy source. In exploring the safety aspects of nuclear power generation, we find that one of the most prevalent reasons that people are opposed to nuclear plant construction is their fear of the risks that are associated with radiation exposure. When nuclear power is generated, material is produced that emits radiation. This material can come into contact with people during routine power plant operation. In addition, radiation can be released during nuclear power plant accidents, and transportation of nuclear material. As described by University of Pittsburgh Professor Bernard Cohen, “radiation exposure can damage biological cells and thereby initiate a cancer and cause genetic diseases”...
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...Nuclear phase out On March 11th the most fatal earthquake in Japan’s history hit the country followed by a devastating Tsunami. Besides the immediate destruction caused by those natural disasters they triggered a fatal chain reaction leading to a partial meltdown (a complete meltdown was not confirmed so far but is not unlikely) in three reactors of the nuclear power plant Fukushima Daiichi. In Germany those events have caused a new uprising of the anti-nuclear-movement. Most people in Germany are in favour of a quick nuclear phase-out and the big political parties have very quickly adapted this opinion. The big question remaining is how to handle a project of such a huge size without causing financial, climate related or other threats. In the following work the current situation will be analysed and viewed as a change process containing the following steps: • • • • • • • • Step 1: Create a sense of urgency Step 2: Form a powerful coalition Step 3: Create a vision for change Step 4: Communicate the vision Step 5: Remove obstacles Step 6: Create short-term wins Step 7: Extending the success Step 8: Anchor new approaches Step 1: Create a Sense of Urgency First of all the awareness of a need for change should be created, increased and communicated. “With this shift, urgency will move from being an important issue every few years to being a powerful asset all the time.”1 In the history and the development of nuclear power and the nuclear power plants there have been many different...
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...I interviewed Dave Mullins. He is currently an electrical engineer as well as a project manager for Gavial Engineering & Manufacturing Inc in Santa Maria. The firm is a manufacturer of components for multiple industrial sectors such as nuclear, aerospace and power generation. His projects mainly cover manufacturing and assembling components for the nuclear reactor. His understanding of sustainability is that sustainable energy does not exist in reality. He stated that energies such as solar, wind and tidal would not be possible without the Earth and the Sun. Dave believes nuclear energy can last longer for the foreseeable future in terms of efficiency, and it might be the key energy when other resources such as oil and gas are depleted. When...
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...strengths and weaknesses of the pro-nuclear and the pro-renewable energy lobbies. There are many doubts as to the reliability of fossil fuels and their ability to keep up with the rapid world population growth. This second concern arises as the availability of fossil fuels is declining and many other sources are being suggested as time advances. Moreover, people agree that fossil fuels contribute to global warming as it releases many greenhouse gases to the atmosphere, enhancing the greenhouse effect. Nuclear and renewable energy lobbies are these alternatives, which seem appealing due to their numerous advantages. Nonetheless, there have some weaknesses to consider. Regarding pro-renewable lobbies, environmentally they are the best solution without doubt. Renewable energy is helpful for the environment as it seeks to tackle the enhanced greenhouse effect. As the greenhouse gases released by this form of energy are low, people support these lobbies. Not only do locals support these initiatives, but also tourism would grow, as the ‘clean environment’ would attract foreigners. Furthermore, these lobbies approach the future in a sustainable manor. Sustainability is meeting the today needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs. Renewables are those capable of natural regeneration over a human timescale, and are infinite in human terms. Nevertheless, there are some weaknesses such as the efficiency of these energy sources, as they depend on climate...
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...How realistic is it for the UK government to think nuclear power has a role to play in plugging the energy gap? Introduction In recent years there has been much debate about the energy gap in the UK. According to Black (2005) the “energy gap” is the shortfall of fossil oil, natural gas and other fossil fuels, and this phenomenon is due to there is an increase trend for the need of fuels in Britain. However, we must face the phenomenon that fossil fuels will run out in the near future. Due to this energy gap, we need to look for alternative sources of energy, and the UK government wants to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, so they believe that nuclear power can close the energy gap. However, critics have pointed out the dangers of using nuclear power. This report will examine how realistic the UK government is being in believing that nuclear power can successfully close the energy gap. It will begin with a literature review highlighting the main advantages and disadvantages of using nuclear power. Next the key issues will be analysed and discuss. Finally, a conclusion will be drawn. Literature Review One of the main arguments in favour of using nuclear power to close the UK energy gap is that are 70 per cent of our low-carbon electricity comes from nuclear energy in UK. (Nuclear Industry Association, 2012) In addition, the Nuclear Industry Association (2012) have showed the nuclear stations reduce 7% to 14% of greenhouse gas emissions in the UK, and...
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...Oil Alternatives Examine the changing importance of three energy alternatives to oil [20 Marks] 1200 words. Correct citations. Oil has been an important resource for humanity for centuries. It is easily accessible and efficient and over time has been extremely versatile in its uses. Today oil is used for fueling cars, cooking food, cosmetics, lubricants, paintings, organic chemistry, etc. For a long time oil has been the primary and main provider of energy, but due to increasing environmental effects, scarcity, and global inflation, it seems as if it will not last much longer. This essay will highlight the growing importance of three alternatives of oil that may rise to prominence in the future: algae biofuel, nuclear energy, and hydroelectric power. The first alternative that will be discussed is algae biofuel. In essence algae biofuels are the same as normal fuels except that the components of the fuel are organic and biological rather than fossil fuel based. Production is caused through a series of chemical reactions and is nontoxic and renewable. Algae sources can be re-replaced through more farming. The standard production method consists of planting lots of algae pods and letting them interact with the sun and bacteria to create oil. (Howstuffworks) Although this method releases a lot of CO2 it is all taken back again through growing more algae. This is of the many advantages of algae biofuel. Firstly its production yield far surpasses that of other variations...
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...Project Report Cover Sheet For submission to: Dr Iain MacGill Course code : ELEC9714 Course name : Electricity Industry Planning & Economics Name of school : School of Electrical Engineering Assignment Title : Options and Challenges for Future Nuclear Generation Investment in the NEM Student name: Yijun Huang z5024017 Sicong Ma z5025785 Date: 14/05/2015 Literature Survey Options and Challenges for Future Nuclear Generation Investment in the NEM Yijun Huang, Sicong Ma Contents Acronyms...................................................................................................I List of Figures............................................................................................II List of Figures...........................................................................................III Executive Summary Introduction1 3. Conclusion............................................................................................14 References................................................................................................15 Acronyms ABWR Advanced boiling water reactor APWR Advanced pressurized water reactor EC6 Enhanced CANDU 6 EPR European pressurized reactor ESBWR Economic simplified boiling water reactor ACR-1000 Advanced CANDU reactor CCGT ...
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...Given past events, nuclear power technology is seen by many people as the means to make war, death, bombs, and destruction. These are comparitive rarities to the good that nuclear energy poses for our future, and its capacity for clean efficient energy generation. Almost all of the energy produced today from nuclear is in the form of electricity, comprising 16% of global production. The number doesn't seem to be that large, but when taking into account the energy used on the entire planet, and the capacity to better the nuclear industry for the future we find ourselves wondering how vital it really is to our livelyhood. One could say that the development of nuclear is vital because of global warming threats. Since our combustion of fossil fuels produces carbon in the atmosphere, resulting in rising heat over time. Nuclear provides a form of noncombusting renewable energy that if prudently researched and implemented provides an alternative to polluting engines of the past. This warming fear is a large reason nuclear power is a growing idea. The technology is not simple to do, the production is a very meticulous process, wielding great power for good and great danger. The process requires strong regulation. With such a high risk, high reward scenario, we as humanity's hope for a better tomorrow must weigh the pros and cons to find if we are able to prudently expand and increase research towards safety and efficiency. Producing nuclear energy is not as simple as taking it from...
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...Topic: Nuclear energy Course Code: EG114400 Class: 1C Name: Lee Chak Kwan 150134649 Lee Tsz To 150035266 Chong Ching Ho 150415484 Yip Chung Hing 150589275 Leung Ka Shing 150171909 Lee Ki Kwan 150035752 Contents Introduction 3 Background 1.Identify a global issue 3 2.Background of the global issue 4 3.Formulate a title for the presentation proposal 5-6 Analysis of the global issue 7-8 Perspective 1. Technological 8-11 2. Economical 11-12 3. Social 12-13 Recommendation 13 Conclusion 14 Reference 14-16 Introduction: First of all, we are going to introduce the nuclear energy. About the nuclear energy, we will explain and analysis from three parts about the background, the analysis and the trade-specific recommendations for local development. Also, we will thorough many different directions to probe the nuclear energy. Explain why the nuclear energy is the global issue, what is the problem and interest bring from nuclear energy. Then, our report will make you can know more about nuclear energy you may do not know. When you think why the nuclear energy will bring different problem to the earth also use this energy. We will explain each factor to you knows. Background: Since the 1950s, nuclear energy has been an important part of the world's fuels. Nuclear power is a nuclear reaction in the release of nuclear energy to generate...
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...renewed interest in nuclear power as a means of providing for the world’s energy needs. Discuss the implications for Australia’s mining industry? Australia is the world’s largest coal exporter and has the second largest deposit of coal in the world. Although the world is currently in the throes of a global financial crisis, Australia’s economy one of the few in the developed world to stay afloat has been buoyed considerably by its exports industry, particularly that of coal. Despite Australia’s promise to reduce carbon emissions by 5% in accordance with its commitment to the Kyoto protocol, the coal industry has been lucky enough to avoid almost all penalties that other industries are set to receive under the proposed carbon emission trading scheme . This combined with Australia continuing to stall further international discussions on combating climate change has earned Australia the reputation of “A nation of climate sinners” . It is obvious that despite a lot of rhetoric on the importance of addressing climate change, the Australian government is not willing to commit to solving the global challenge of climate change to an appreciable degree while such a large part of the Australian economy is at stake. For the Australian government to fully commit to its promises on combating climate change, a way to free the Australian economy of its coal dependence needs to be found. The world is in a new era of energy production where it is no longer a question of which energy technology will...
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...Future of nuclear energy, what countries use it most, other uses for nuclear energy (bombs) Future of nuclear energy: Increasing energy demand, plus concerns over climate change, dependence on overseas supplies of fossil fuels and the security of supply are coinciding to make the case for increasing use of nuclear power. Nuclear energy is the perfect way for the demands of electricity. It seems that Nuclear energy will become a much bigger source of energy in the future, many countries such as India and China are planning on building many nuclear power plants. China is embarking upon a huge increase in nuclear capacity to 58 GWe( Gigawatts of electricity) by 2020; India's target is to add 20 to 30 new reactors by 2030. A WNA projection shows at least 1100 GWe of nuclear capacity by 2060, and possibly up to 3500 GWe, compared with 373 GWe today. Countries that use it most: Most of the increased capacity (over 80%) will be in countries which already use nuclear power. Currently there are 436 Nuclear reactors in the world, and 73 under construction. Of the thirty countries in which nuclear power plants operate, only France, Belgium and Slovakia use them as the primary source of electricity. United States has 104 Nuclear reactors, and 5 under construction, France has 58 Nuclear reactors, and 1 under construction, Russia has 33 Nuclear reactors, and 10 under construction, Japan had 54 Nuclear reactors however after Fukushima Japan shut down all of its 54 nuclear reactors...
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...MAV introduction A Nuclear power plant is a thermal power station in which the heat source is a nuclear reactor, the heat is used to generate steam which drives a steam turbine connected to a generator, and this produces electricity. Nuclear power plants are many different sizes and many sites have multiple units. Most of the new units are between 1000 and 1700 Mw electric. A good thumb-rule is 1000 Mw = 1 million homes Nuclear power stations use a fuel called uranium, a relatively common material of which Energy is released from when an atom is split by a neutron. The uranium atom splits into two which releases energy in the form of radiation and heat. We call this nuclear reaction the ‘fission process’. The uranium is first formed into pellets and then into long rods in a nuclear power station which are then kept cool by submerging them in water. When removed from the water a nuclear reaction takes place causing heat. In a nuclear power station the uranium is first formed into pellets and then into long rods. The amount of heat required is controlled by raising and lowering the rods. If more heat is required the rods are raised further out of the water and if less is needed they lower further into it. Advantages: The amount of electricity produced in a nuclear power station is equivalent to that produced by a fossil fuelled power station. Nuclear power stations do not burn fossil fuels to produce electricity and they do not produce damaging, polluting...
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...Should our reliance on nuclear energy sources be expanded in an effort to fuel the future? Today there is a great concern about our carbon emissions and other pollutants because of their adverse affects on our climate. Thus alternative sources of energy are being sought out, such as solar, wind, natural gas, and nuclear energy. Many have found themselves opposing nuclear due to past errors, waste management, safety features, and financial concerns. However, these issues are being addressed as promising new reactors are being designed. Nuclear energy has some clear benefits when compared to some of the drawbacks of other methods. Natural gas will most likely release too much carbon dioxide in the long run to be effective, wind and solar energy are too intermittent and costly to function as a large-scale solution, and hydropower may not be able to expand easily easily enough to make a lasting difference (“Why We Still Need Nuclear Power”). With very little carbon dioxide emissions, relatively cheap energy generation, and an impressive reliability record, nuclear power proves itself to be an option to be explored in a country where electricity generation emits more carbon dioxide than transportation or industry. There are many safety concerns surrounding nuclear energy, but the industry has learned a lot from previous mistakes and many new safety measures are being tested and implemented (“Nuclear Now”). Previous failings with nuclear power, such as the Fukushima disaster,...
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