31-10-2016, 10:19 AM
1462259102-diamond.pptx (Size: 2.2 MB / Downloads: 62)
THE SOURCE: FISSION
Fission is the splitting of a nucleus into two or more separate nuclei of comparable mass
One neutron interacts with one “fissionable” nucleus (Uranium for example)
Results are:
Fission Products – Two heavy nuclides
One heavier than the other (Average ratio of ~ 2 : 3 )
Neutrons – 2.43 on average emitted / fission
Important that more neutrons are produced than are used to cause one fission
Gamma rays, beta particles
Energy !!
NUCLEAR ENERGY FOR ELECTRICITY PRODUCTION
Currently produces 20% of U.S. electricity
104 operating units in the U.S.
19 UTILITIES ARE PROPOSING TO LICENSE 34 NEW UNITS IN THE NEXT FEW YEARS
17 applications for 24 units already before the Nuclear Regulatory Commission
Some purchasing of components has begun but no firm orders expected until licensing more advanced
An energy source the public should understand
WASTE STORAGE
Long term solution financed by nuclear utilities in cooperation with U.S. government
Yucca Mountain: one site for high-level radioactive waste makes it easy to monitor, regulate, and secure
DOE: Required to design, construct, operate
EPA: Required to set standards to protect public and environment
NRC: Required to approve/license DOE proposal
YUCCA MOUNTAIN SITE
TRANSPORTATION
Over the last 40 years, 3,000 shipments of spent nuclear fuel on 1.7 million miles of U.S. roads
Each shipment carefully packaged and monitored
Casks are ~15 times thicker than a gasoline tank truck shell and include 3 inches of stainless steel with thick lead radiation shields
Typically for every ton of spent fuel there are 3 tons of protective packaging
THE FUTURE OF NUCLEAR POWER IN THE U.S.
51 NPPs have obtained extensions of their 40-year license to enable operation to 60 years--41 more are pending
Many plants have increased their power: 5900 MW of new nuclear electricity has been added (equivalent to adding 6 new units)
19 UTILITIES ARE PROPOSING TO LICENSE 34 NEW UNITS IN THE NEXT FEW YEARS
17 applications for 24 units already before the Nuclear Regulatory Commission
Some purchasing of components has begun but no firm orders expected until licensing more advanced
WHY NUCLEAR ENERGY SHOULD BE AN OPTION -- MARCH 15TH
Energy Security is National Security
Uranium is a domestic source of energy
Competitive Costs
No Climate-change Releases
Proven Record
Concentrated Form of Energy