Nuclear Energy By: Michael Deedrick, Jared Rafferty, Niko Mireles, and Simon Hulser

Nuclear Energy the energy released during nuclear fission or, fusion, especially when used to generate electricity. Basic process is that the heat from the nuclear fission actually boils the water into steam which turns the turbine generator to produces electricity.

Nuclear Fuel Cycle “The nuclear fuel cycle is the series of industrial processes which involve the production of electricity from uranium in nuclear power reactors.” - World Nuclear Association

Net Energy Outcome Net energy from nuclear power is quite high, meaning large amounts of energy are produced from low amounts of fuel. Produces around 11% of our world’s energy. Does not release pollution, as fossil fuels do.

Availability The known reserves amount to about 85 years supply, with an expected further 500 years supply in additional reserves. Uranium is present at an abundance, depending on how much we are willing to pay for it. 600x more abundant than gold and tin.

Leading Nations Top 5 producers, in order: United States, France, Japan, Russia, and South Korea. Of those 5, France is the only one who uses nuclear energy as a primary source. However, South Korea and Russia plan to increase the amount of power plants.

Advantages Reduces the amount of energy from fossil fuels, resulting in a decrease of greenhouse gases Nuclear power does not depend on natural aspects, such as solar energy or wind. Very dependent

Disadvantages VERY dangerous materials to work with Nuclear Waste Could be possible targets of terrorists groups Hard to contain if there is a nuclear meltdown

Environmental Effect Chernobyl (1986) The Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant in Ukraine An explosion in the plant caused large amounts of radiation to escape into the atmosphere. 31 deaths from Acute Radiation Sickness of 237 Radiation caused uninhabitable conditions in the area Is one of the only two rated a level 7 on the International Nuclear Event Scale, the other being The Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear disaster

Chernobyl

Estimated Depletion Time Steve Fetter, dean of Maryland’s School of Public Policy: 200 years James Hopf, nuclear engineer for American Energy Independence: 500+ years

References http://www.darvill.clara.net/altenerg/nuclear.htm http://nuclearinfo.net/Nuclearpower/WebHomeAvailabilityOfUsableUranium http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/how-long-will-global-uranium-deposits-last/ http://www.americanenergyindependence.com/uranium.aspx http://www.world-nuclear.org/info/Nuclear-Fuel-Cycle/Introduction/Nuclear-Fuel-Cycle-Overview/