Nuclear Energy
By Natalia Price
Level of Efficiency
Average Capacity Factor of 91.9 Percent Surpasses Prior Record Set in 2007
History
- The science of atomic radiation, atomic change and nuclear fission was developed from 1895 to 1945, much of it in the last six of those years.
- Over 1939-45, most development was focused on the atomic bomb.
- From 1945 attention was given to harnessing this energy in a controlled fashion for naval propulsion and for making electricity.
- Since 1956 the prime focus has been on the technological evolution of reliable nuclear power plants. http://www.world-nuclear.org/
How Nuclear Energy Works
Nuclear energy started a weapon though the atomic bomb but after the war, scientists focused on using the power of uranium for good. It had so much potential the main issue was harnessing its power safely. In a nuclear-fueled power plant – much like a fossil-fueled power plant – water is turned into steam, which in turn drives turbine generators to produce electricity. The difference is the source of heat. At nuclear power plants, the heat to make the steam is created when uranium atoms split – called fission.
Nuclear Plants in the U.S.A.
Advantages of Nuclear Power Generation
- Nuclear power generation does emit relatively low amounts of carbon dioxide (CO2). The emissions of green house gases and therefore the contribution of nuclear power plants to global warming is therefore relatively little.
- This technology is readily available, it does not have to be developed first.
- It is possible to generate a high amount of electrical energy in one single plant.