Nuclear Energy

Table of Contents

Context: Recently Germany has decided to shut down its last three nuclear reactors to accomplish its goal of nuclear phase-out , this move has reignited the debate on the risks and benefits of nuclear power

What is Nuclear Energy

Nuclear energy is a type of energy that is generated by the process of nuclear reactions. These reactions can be either nuclear fission or nuclear fusion. The energy released during these reactions can be harnessed and used to produce electricity, heat, or other forms of energy.

Nuclear fission is a process in which the nucleus of an atom is split into two or more smaller nuclei, releasing a large amount of energy in the process. This process is used in nuclear power plants to generate electricity. One example of nuclear fission is the reaction that occurs in a nuclear reactor when uranium atoms are split into smaller atoms.
Nuclear fusion, on the other hand, is a process in which two or more atomic nuclei come together to form a single, more massive nucleus, releasing a large amount of energy in the process. This process occurs naturally in stars, including our own sun. Scientists are currently researching how to harness nuclear fusion as a clean and sustainable source of energy on Earth. One example of nuclear fusion is the reaction that occurs in a hydrogen bomb.

Nuclear Power in Europe: Recent Trends

Germany has shut down its last three nuclear reactors as part of its long-held dream of phasing out nuclear power. The last nuclear power plants were supposed to close at the end of 2022, but this deadline was extended until April 15, 2023, due to energy shortages caused by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Nuclear power has been a polarizing issue in Germany for decades, with opposition to it bringing hundreds of thousands of people onto the streets in the 1970s and 1980s.
France is Europe’s leading nuclear power country with 57 reactors and plans to expand, while the Netherlands and Poland also plan to expand their nuclear power systems. 13 of 27 EU countries intend to use nuclear power in the future.
Sweden initially phased out nuclear power but then reversed its decision in 1996, and currently, six nuclear power plants produce around 30% of the country’s electricity needs.

Is Nuclear Energy Worth the Risk?

Pros	Cons
Low carbon emissions: Nuclear energy is a low-carbon source of power that does not release greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, unlike fossil fuels.	Nuclear accidents: Nuclear accidents can have catastrophic consequences, as seen in Chernobyl and Fukushima.
Reliability: Nuclear power plants can run for long periods of time without interruption and are highly reliable sources of electricity.	Radioactive waste: Nuclear power plants produce radioactive waste that remains dangerous for thousands of years and must be carefully stored to prevent contamination.
High energy density: Nuclear fuel contains a high energy density, meaning that it can produce a large amount of energy from a small amount of fuel.	Proliferation risk: The technology and materials used in nuclear power plants can be used to make nuclear weapons, making nuclear power a proliferation risk.
Independence from fossil fuels: Nuclear power does not depend on fossil fuels, which are finite resources subject to price fluctuations.	High cost: Nuclear power plants are expensive to build and maintain, and the high costs can make it difficult for countries to justify building new plants.
Base load power: Nuclear power can provide reliable base load power to complement intermittent renewable energy sources like wind and solar power.	Limited fuel supply: Uranium, the primary fuel used in nuclear power plants, is a finite resource that is mined from a limited number of countries.
Economic benefits: Nuclear power plants create jobs and can contribute to local and national economies.	Security risks: Nuclear power plants and nuclear waste storage facilities can be targets for terrorism or other security threats.
Energy security: Nuclear power can help to increase energy security by reducing reliance on foreign sources of oil and gas.	Decommissioning challenges: Decommissioning nuclear power plants at the end of their useful life is a complex and costly process that can take decades to complete.
Advanced technologies: Nuclear power research and development has led to advances in technologies like medical imaging, food irradiation, and space exploration.	Public opposition: Nuclear energy is a polarizing issue that can generate significant public opposition due to concerns about safety and waste storage.

Management of Nuclear Power: Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Disaster:

The Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster, which occurred in March 2011 in Japan, was one of the worst nuclear accidents in history. The disaster was triggered by a massive earthquake and tsunami that caused severe damage to the power plant, leading to a series of equipment failures and meltdowns in three of the plant’s six reactors.
The immediate consequences of the Fukushima disaster: included the deaths of two plant workers and the evacuation of over 100,000 people from the surrounding area. In the years since the disaster, there have been ongoing concerns about the long-term health effects of radiation exposure for workers and residents in the area. In addition, the disaster has had significant economic and environmental impacts, including the loss of farmland and fisheries in the region and the decommissioning of the Fukushima plant.

Nuclear Waste: The Fukushima disaster in 2011 resulted in a significant release of radioactive materials into the environment. The radioactive materials came from the damaged reactor cores and spent fuel pools at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant. These materials, known as nuclear waste, can remain radioactive and dangerous for thousands of years. The management of nuclear waste is an important aspect of the safety of nuclear power plants.

Storage and Disposal: The safe storage and disposal of nuclear waste is a significant challenge, as the waste can remain radioactive for tens of thousands of years. Currently, most nuclear waste is stored on site at nuclear power plants, either in pools of water or in dry casks. However, there is ongoing debate over the long-term storage and disposal of nuclear waste, with some advocating for the development of deep geological repositories to store the waste underground.
Regulations and Safety Measures: To mitigate the risks associated with nuclear waste, there are strict regulations in place for the handling, transport, and storage of nuclear materials. In addition, safety measures such as radiation monitoring, emergency response plans, and protective equipment for workers are also in place to minimize the risks of accidents and exposure to radiation.

Resurgence of Nuclear Power in Asia: Nuclear power is making a comeback in Asia despite the Fukushima disaster in 2011 Many countries in Asia see nuclear energy as a solution to meet their growing energy demands. Governments in the region are investing heavily in nuclear power, with plans for new plants and upgrades to existing ones

China is leading the way in expanding nuclear energy, with 50 reactors currently in operation and 18 under construction
India is also expanding its nuclear energy capacity, with 23 reactors in operation and 7 under construction
Other countries, such as Bangladesh, Indonesia, and Vietnam, have also announced plans to build their first nuclear power plants

Potential of Nuclear Energy in India

India has significant reserves of thorium, a naturally occurring radioactive element that can be used as a fuel in nuclear reactors. With the world’s largest reserves of thorium, estimated at around 360,000 tonnes, India has the potential to become a major player in the nuclear energy sector. In addition to thorium, India also has significant reserves of uranium, which can be used as a fuel in nuclear reactors.

India’s Current Status in Nuclear Energy

India has been operating nuclear power plants for several decades. Currently, there are 23 nuclear reactors in operation in India, with a total installed capacity of 6,780 MW. These reactors are located in various parts of the country, including Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Karnataka. In addition to these operational reactors, there are several more reactors under construction, which are expected to add around 8,000 MW of nuclear power capacity.
Nuclear energy currently accounts for around 3% of India’s total electricity generation. The majority of India’s electricity comes from thermal power plants, which burn coal and other fossil fuels. While India has made significant progress in renewable energy, with a goal of achieving 450 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030, nuclear energy is still seen as an important part of the country’s energy mix.
India has several ongoing and planned nuclear energy projects. One notable project is the construction of the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant, which is a joint venture between India and Russia. The plant currently has two operational reactors, with two more under construction. When completed, the plant is expected to have a total capacity of 6,000 MW.
Another notable project is the development of the Advanced Heavy Water Reactor (AHWR), which is being developed by the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC). The AHWR is a next-generation nuclear reactor that uses thorium as fuel, making it an attractive option for India’s abundant thorium reserves.