In addition to being a clean energy source, nuclear energy reduces operating costs, is a reliable source of energy, and does not depend on fossil fuels.
FREMONT, CA: Heat from a nuclear fission reaction generates steam, which spins a large turbine to generate electricity in traditional nuclear power plants. Nuclear reactors split uranium atoms into smaller ones through fission.
In a reactor, uranium fuel pellets are packed into vertical fuel rods. The pellets are about the size of an eraser on the end of a pencil, but they can generate heat and power for five years.
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Around 440 reactors produce around 10 percent of the world's electricity.
A second type of nuclear power is fusion, which is still in its early stages of development. Plasma is formed by heating hydrogen. In the reactor, a powerful magnetic field enables fusion reactions - essentially the same principle that powers the sun.
A giant fusion machine called ITER is being built and is scheduled to begin operations in 2025. Tests will be conducted for 20 years to make nuclear fusion a reality. An almost limitless supply of clean, safe energy could result from success.
The reason for the increase in nuclear power: There are a number of reasons why nuclear power is experiencing a resurgence. First and foremost, it is an emissions-free energy source that supports the transition to cleaner energy sources like wind and solar.
Nuclear power and other fuels like clean hydrogen, however, can provide reliable backup power to overcome these intermittency issues.
Policy pledges and climate targets are increasing nuclear power's appeal as a clean fuel source. The US, Japan, and the UK have all reaffirmed their commitment to nuclear energy.
Secondly, as a result of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, many countries are seeking greater energy independence. There is no need to import fossil fuels when nuclear power is available.
Additionally, new technology is being developed to build smaller reactors that are safer, cheaper to operate, and easier to build.
How safe is nuclear power?
The old traditional nuclear plants have been the site of several major disasters. As a result of decades of nuclear power, there is now a problem of what to do with all those spent radioactive nuclear fuel rods.
However, nuclear power technology has advanced since these incidents. SMRs are a new breed of small modular reactors. In comparison to traditional large-scale reactors, they are safer and less susceptible to earthquakes and meltdowns.
They support global efforts to reach net-zero emissions because they don't emit greenhouse gases. Contrary to conventional plants, SMRs can also be safely shut down and restarted.