Advantages and Disadvantages of Nuclear Energy - Research Paper Example

Advantages and Disadvantages of Nuclear Energy Author Name(s) and IDs College Name Instructor Name Course title Date of Submission Abstract Currently, there are about 31 countries which are utilising nuclear as source of energy for their economy. In addition, there are over, 400 active plants spread across these countries. Since 1951 when nuclear power started being used for civilian purposes it has elicited mixed reactions. There are those for the process and there are those who are against it. The purpose of this paper was to examine the advantages and disadvantages of nuclear power. The paper found out that the proponents of same see it as source for energy security and diversification, if well handled it is safe & cleaner hence, being sustainable and that the cost of operating it as compared to other sources is low. On the other hand, opponents see it as a disaster in waiting for environment and human health based on the ripple effect seen in Japan and Ukraine and it has possibility of enhancing proliferation of nuclear weapons. The paper concluded by observing that while nuclear energy has tremendous benefits, the risks are higher if failures occur. These failures have long term impact on human life and environment. Hence, the approach should be discouraged and other cleaner sources like hydrogen be explored. Contents Abstract 1 Contents 2 1.0 Introduction 1 2.0 Literature Review and Background Information 1 2.1 History of Nuclear Science and Concept of Nuclear Energy 2 2.1.1 Growth of Nuclear Science 2 2.1.2 Application of Nuclear Science in Energy Generation 4 2.1.3 Previous and Present Demand Trends 6 2.2 The Big Debate: Issues in Nuclear Energy Use 7 2.2.1 Negative Aspects/ Disadvantages 7 2.2.1 Positive Aspects/ Advantages 9 3.0 Discussions 10 4.0 Conclusion 12 Books and eBooks 13 Journals, Periodicals and other Refereed Materials 13 Websites and Online Documents 14 1.0 Introduction With the development in the field of nuclear science since 1895 and the realisation that it can be used to generate energy since 1956 (World Nuclear Association, 2010), the process has attracted a mixed reaction (Ryan, 2009). By 2 July, 2012, European Nuclear Society (2012) notes that there were 31 countries having nuclear power plants. At the same time, they note that as per the same period there was 435 nuclear reactor plants and 62 units under construction in 14 different countries. At any level of debates, there are those who see energy generated from nuclear energy as the energy of the future based on sustainability, energy quantity and cost of operation. On the other hand, there are those who are deeply concerned about the same in relation to safety, proliferation of nuclear weapons and a possibility of arms race ignition (McKinney, Schoch and Yonavjak, 2013, p.222). In support of their position, those against do cite the case of Chernobyl plant in Ukraine (Chernobyl Children’s Project International, 2006, p.1-5) and the latest being experiences in Japan after the earth quake (Demetriou, 2011).These two differing opinions forms an interesting discourse worth investigation. The aim of this expose is to examine the advantages and disadvantages of nuclear energy use from a global perspective. 2.0 Literature Review and Background Information The aim of this section is to outline the developments that have occurred over space of time in the field of nuclear science. Nuclear science is a broad discipline ranging from nuclear weapons like atomic bombs, nuclear medicine and nuclear energy. The subsequent literature will be on the nexus between nuclear science and nuclear energy. In an overall perspective, World Nuclear Association (2010) indicates that the study and actualisation of nuclear fission, atomic change and atomic radiation in the field of nuclear science emerged and grew from 1895 to 1945. Furthermore, they note that exponential growth in the same field was experienced in the last six years of this phase. The development of nuclear fission and its application in nuclear energy is divisible into three phases. The first is the focus on atomic bomb in the years 1939-45. Second is from 1945 when the focus was on how the energy could be tapped in a regulated environment so as to propel naval equipments and generate energy. The last phase that emerged from 1956 was tied to how dependable nuclear stations could be built (World Nuclear Association, 2010). 2.1 History of Nuclear Science and Concept of Nuclear Energy 2.1.1 Growth of Nuclear Science The first path towards nuclear science is tied to the discovery of Uranium by a German scientist Mr. Martin Klaproth in 1789. The second phase in this field came with the ability of radiation after in 1895 Whilhem Rontgen passed an electric current in an evacuated glass tube to produce continuous X-rays. The research in the subfield of radiation continued with the works of Henri Becquere in 1896. Henri observed if ore like pitchblende which contains radium and uranium is subjected to beta radiation and alpha particles, the photographic plate darkened. The same year (1896) Marie Curie named the process which Henri had conducted as radioactivity. Moreover, in 1898 the later managed to isolate polonium and radium from pitchblende (World Nuclear Association, 2010). However, these findings would have not been critical had physicist Enrico Fermi in 1934 disapproved the old Greek belief that atoms were the smallest unit of an element which was not divisible. This conclusion was based on the observation he made after bombarding uranium with neutrons. This research did not meet his expectations, instead the end result was a much lighter element than uranium (U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Nuclear Energy, Science and Technology, nd, p.4).the second premise that one can postulate as a guide to later researches is the relationship between mass and energy. The relationship between mass and energy was first conceptualised theoretically by Albert Enstein in 1905. In his concept he stated that energy equals mass (U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Nuclear Energy, Science and Technology, nd, p.3). According to U.S. Department of Energy (2011) cited in U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (2012), “nuclear energy originates from the splitting of uranium atoms in a process called fission. Fission releases energy that can be used to make steam, which is used in a turbine to generate electricity”. According to U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Nuclear Energy, Science and Technology (nd, p.ii), the hallmark if nuclear science was the discovery of fission (ability of some atoms to split and release energy). One of the isotopes that will easily fission is Uranium-235. In the process of fission, the uranium atom absorbs loose neutron. This makes it unstable thereafter making it split into two light atoms. The essence is to create a self sustain series of fission so as to generate power. The earlier application of this process in energy production began in 1939 as conceptualised by the works of the scientist named in subsection 2.1.1 (U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Nuclear Energy, Science and Technology (nd, p.3). The pioneers of sustained chain of reaction included Hahn and Strassman. They proved that not only did fission generate a lot of energy, but also additional neutrons which had the potential of creating fissions in other uranium nuclei and thus, a self sustaining process that generates huge amount of power. Their work was also affirmed Joliot & colleagues who were researchers from Paris. In addition, Leo Szilard in collaboration with Fermi affirmed the same in New York. The refinement in the research and input from different players continued when Bohr highlighted two important findings. He indicated that fission has higher chances of occurring in uranium-235 as compared to uranium-238. Secondly, he noted that the fission process is more likely to occur successfully in slow-moving neutrons as compared fast moving ones (U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Nuclear Energy, Science and Technology, nd, p.5; World Nuclear Association, 2010). The later stages in the realisation of uranium as a critical ingredient that can be used to produce energy relates to Francis Perrin work in 1939. In attempt to apply fission in atomic bomb, he worked out the critical mass of uranium needed to generate a self sustaining release of energy (World Nuclear Association, 2010) or what is referred to as self-sustaining chain reaction (U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Nuclear Energy, Science and Technology, nd, p.ii). The works of Perrin, Bohr, Einstein and Fermi among others led to the initiation of the first self-sustaining chain reaction in Chicago. The culmination of this process was development of Chicago Pile 1 (U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Nuclear Energy, Science and Technology, nd, p.6). However, since most of these developments were happening during the war period, World Nuclear Association (2010) notes that “existence of the German Uranverein project provided the main incentive for wartime development of the atomic bomb by Britain and the USA”. This made it loose it initial objective of being applied for peaceful civilian purpose especially after the Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombings. 2.1.2 Application of Nuclear Science in Energy Generation The end of world war, experiences garnered from the various researches about the massive energy release of uranium necessitated its application for peaceful civilian purposes. America was proactive in this process under the leadership of President Einshower. In 1951 small reactor operated by Argonne National Laboratory known Experimental Breeder Reactor (EBR-1) was initiated at Idaho and commissioned in 1953 (European Nuclear Society, 2012). In 1953 president Einshower directed for a paradigm shift in atomic energy shift by stating that most energy should be directed towards cilivilian purposes in the name of energy generation (U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Nuclear Energy, Science and Technology, nd, p.8; World Nuclear Association, 2010). This process initiated reaction from other countries like Soviet Union which in 1946 mandated the Institute of Physics and Power Engineering to explore ways for civilian use of nuclear reactor plants. Other countries like Britain also engaged in the same but, through different tact. The same is applicable to France which were using gas-graphite design and Canadian one which used natural uranium fuel and heavy water as reactor and cooler (World Nuclear Association, 2010). This enhanced research in US from 1950s led to construction of the initial commercially oriented electricity producing nuclear reactor power plant located at Shippingport, Pennsylvania which attained its maximum potential in 1957. This signalled the entry of private sector in the same process. There was the PWR model designed by Westinghouse, BWR designed by Argonne National Laboratory and Dresden developed by General Electric. By this time US was the leading nation in development of nuclear energy (it had twice as many operating plants) by accounting for a quarter of the operating plants (U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Nuclear Energy, Science and Technology, nd, p.8 & 9). However, from 1991, the field has been getting crowded with numerous nations venturing into the same (U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Nuclear Energy, Science and Technology, nd, p.10 & 11; World Nuclear Association, 2010). 2.1.3 Previous and Present Demand Trends Since the commercialisation of the nuclear energy as means of generating power, the trends display mixed fortunes. In the 1960s, the perception about nuclear energy as means of producing energy was positive. People saw nuclear reactor plants as source of environmentally clean and safe energy as opposed to fossil fuel like oil. The reason behind this was based on the fact that it level of contamination was law. This increased demand saw installation of these plants and that by 1970, there were approximately 90 nuclear reactors in 15 countries (Char and Csik, 1987, p.19). Up to 1970, on average, the year started with 25 to 30 new units. This trend hit climax in 1980 where there were 253 plants with a capacity to generate 135, 000 MWe in 22 nations. Moreover, at the same period, there were 230 orders being developed which had a capacity to generate over MWe. One of the contributory factors to this upsurge trend was the oil crisis in 1970s (Char and Csik, 1987, p.19). However, the oil prices also had a ripple effect on other commodities leading to increased prices and thus cost of all energy sources increased including nuclear (p.19). U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Nuclear Energy, Science and Technology (nd, p.10) notes that there was decline in demand from 1970s through to 80s. The accident that happened in Three Mile Island signalled the entry of phobia towards nuclear plants, thus, disputing the safety belief. In the late 1980s the safety concern of the nuclear reactors started emerging after the Chernobyl disaster in 1986. This led to growth of emotive debates with environmentalists and politicians taking the lead. As result of these events, cancellations of new orders were experienced and thus, the projects started becoming fewer and fewer as the days progressed (Char and Csik, 1987, p.20 & 21). According to European Nuclear Society (2012), there are 435 operational nuclear power plant reactors as up to 2 July, 2012 in 31 countries”. These units have a combined output of 370 GW. In addition, there are 62 units which are under construction and once installed will be able to deliver a combined output of 59 GW. These 62 nuclear power units under construction are spread across 62 countries. Since 1951 when civilian plant was initiated up to 2011, the production of electricity sourced from nuclear stood at 69, 760 billion kWh and a combined operating experience of 14, 897 years. In addition, it is America with 104 units followed by France at 53 units and Japan at third position with 50 which have the highest number of reactor units (European Nuclear Society, 2012). 2.2 The Big Debate: Issues in Nuclear Energy Use This section examines the pros and cons of investing in nuclear power plants as a source of energy. To create a vivid picture of the same arguments and counter arguments will be presented with guiding frameworks being the concept of environmental sustainability, global warming and climate change, international security in context of proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and arms race, economic development, safety and toxic waste, cost of construction and operation among others. 2.2.1 Negative Aspects/ Disadvantages Failures in nuclear power can have exponential and ripple effect on environment, human health and other organisms. When we talk of this the Chernobyl disaster of 26 April, 1986 in Ukraine comes in limelight. With the incidence, fire burnt for 10 days, 190 tonnes of toxic wastes emitted and global foot print increasing since 70% of the radioactive wastes found their way to neighbouring countries like Belarus. This explosion was 100 times more than the Hiroshima experience (European Commission, OCHA et. al., 2001, P.10). This phenomenon was experienced in Japan during 2011 massive earth quake. The earth quake dismantled the cooling system of Fukushima Daiichi plant causing explosions and meltdown making it worst nuclear disaster in 25 years (Demetriou, 2011). Based on the experiences of Fukushima in Japan in 2011, Germany deliberately decided that it will close down all its nuclear power plant by the year 2022. Even with the argument by the nuclear industry stakeholders that this will negatively impact on the development of the country since the country draws 23% of its energy need from the same, the government is determined to attain the process (BBC, 2012). The next concern about nuclear energy is the possibility of proliferation of nuclear weapons of mass destruction. The argument behind this is based on the fact that the two are made from the same technology of fission process. This is even worrying in the face of terror and possibility of uncooperative states arming themselves in the guise of nuclear power plants. Certainly, countries which cannot keep track of their materials and technology also add injury to already precarious condition (Nuclear Energy Information Service, 2004). The consequence of this (even if it is allegation) is a cold blood/ thawing relationship between states as seen between Israel and Iran or North Korea and South Korea. Once two countries are unstable, there is the possibility of ripple effect and snow balling of the problem hence, affecting regional security (Harack, 2010). The last concern relates to waste associated with nuclear energy. The first under this is the radio-active wastes that can impact on life negative for an extended period of time. The reactors normally emit wastes into the atmosphere like carbon dioxide, sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides (O’Keefe, O’Brien and Pearsall, 2010, p.161). Apart from this, the uranium mining processes which is a critical ingredient is associated with air and land pollution. For instance, where mining occurs, there are derelicts left, during transportation process the truck emit carbon dioxide (American Society for Testing Materials, 1960, 276 and 277). The last category of waste associated with the same is heavy metals and hot water discharged after being used as coolant (Valiela, 2006, p.336). finally, Oshima (2010) cited in (Kreiser et al., 2012, p.213) did a calculation which showed that the generation cost of nuclear power is higher as compared to hydro-electric power. 2.2.1 Positive Aspects/ Advantages One reason behind supporting the development, existence and use of nuclear to generate electricity is to guarantee security of energy supply. Bertel (2005, p.4) notes that owing to volatility in oil prices, countries should not only rely on fossil fuel and hydro-electric power. The proponents argue that nuclear energy has a significant role in attaining energy mixes. Thus, nuclear power offers cushion in event unexpected instances like physical disruption associated with underproduction, socio-political issues and shortcomings associated with extreme market failures. This factor becomes critical in areas where certain countries have frosty relations with oil producing countries. Hence, nuclear energy contributes to energy security. For instance, nuclear plants contributes 20% of total US energy needs (2010, p.323) and 23% to Germany (BBC, 2011). The proponents of the nuclear energy offer different arguments for counteracting the opponents’ arguments. One advantage is that it aids in reducing the cost of energy for any given country. For instance, in America, EIA postulates that cost will continue to decrease and that if 10 new units are erected, the cost will fall by $ 1, 719 per kilowatt (DOE/EIA, 2004, p.57). The same is affirmed by Mounfield (1991, p.232). In comparing the generating cost per kilowatt hour of base load in coal fired, oil fired and nuclear power stations, he presents interesting findings. The cost of coal and oil is in the ratio of 1:2 while that of nuclear is 2:1. Even through Life Cycle Assessment, the impact of nuclear reactor is low with coal having the highest cost (Bertel and Fraser, 2002, p.16). The beauty of all the shortcomings is they can be controlled if proper actions are taken. Human beings have developed the concept of risk management so as to anticipate unexpected. The same can be extended to nuclear reactors since we can’t sit back yet human beings are equipped with skills of overcoming adversaries afflicting them (Lazo and Kaufer, 2003, p.4). We cannot argue that it is only nuclear reactors which are harmful to human life (Kaufer and Murley, 2004, p.4). For instance, as a risk management plan, there are guidelines of protecting people from radiation and how to ensure sustainable development (Lazo and Mundigl, 2002, p.4). with advances in technology in nuclear science, safe disposal of radio-active wastes has been developed (Wilmer, 2004, p.4). Moreover, there is opportunity to develop close working rapport within nation with nuclear technology (Bertel and Woodruff, 2002, p.10). The above observations shows that with proper planning and coordination, the shortfalls associated with the same can be minimised and hence, used to solve energy needs of any country. 3.0 Discussions From the above discourse, a two edged observation can be derived. The first basis is on the positive aspects of nuclear energy. In this regard, with the diminishing amount of fossil fuel, the best option one would argue is nuclear reactor which equally has long life span and low operation cost. Apart from this, the reactor becomes practical in regions which have high population and are having high hopes of developing. This is because developing countries like India or China can’t rely on oil energy alone. The next positive aspect about nuclear energy is that countries which are not endowed with water resources can still use the former to meet their energy needs. Apart from this, there is the clean aspect of this source of energy since it neither produces any fume nor sound. This point has been argued as its other silent strength that guarantees sustainable development. On the other hand, there certain negatives that has been associated with the same. These include its link with proliferation of nuclear weapons. A case example being North Korea has which has been accused of developing nuclear weapons in the guise of nuclear energy for civilian use yet such weapon can lead to escalation of animosity and deaths. This becomes an international security threat with the growth of terrorism and internal turmoil in certain countries. Closely connected to this is possibility of arms race being revived as been the case of North and South Korea who are all armed with nuclear capacity and the case of Pakistan and India who all posses nuclear technology. The other critical concern has been the long term side effect and the case of Chernobyl and Japan’s Fukushima affirms the same. In case of Chernobyl the radioactive elements were found in food and the number of death toll was high. Others have equally levelled the fact that the wastes emanating from the reactors take long time to decompose and thus, significantly increases operation cost. The mining of the uranium has also been associated with instability in other countries like Democratic Republic of Congo. Based on these lessons, countries like Germany have decided that by 2022 they will be decommissioning all their nuclear reactor plants. This is done without any replacement with the same, but by having a paradigm shift. Thus, from the identified points, one could argue that the disadvantages of having nuclear energy as means of generating power outweighs the advantages and hence, should be discouraged. 4.0 Conclusion The ultimate cause of this discourse was to explore merits and demerits of nuclear power. While research on nuclear use has existed from 19390, its application as source of electricity for an economy came into forefront later in 1951 after the world war two. The paper found out that the concept has a two dimensional outcome. The first is the positive aspects which include broadening country’s energy source, second being clean and safe as compared to other sources like coal and oil and last is the cost of operation which is low. On the reverse perspective, it is a dangerous thing especially when it leaks or whenever there is disaster. 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