4 de março de 2014

Nuclear Energy: should or should not be used?

http://quimicandocomaciencia.blogspot.com.br/2014/02/parte-1-energia-nuclear-devemos-ou-nao.html




Currently, it is known that many countries are investing in alternative and clean energy to try to reduce the amount of greenhouse gases, contributing thus to the environment. This way, the Nuclear Energy is one of which we can consider as a source of clean energy, it does not release these greenhouse gases.  However, as everything has pros and cons, there are some disadvantages that should be considered when we think about whether or not to use this feature.
In general, obtaining Electricity from Nuclear Energy occurs in three steps. The first step occurs inside the reactor, from nuclear fission which is the splitting of atoms after their impact with a thermal neutron.  The most used element to manufacture the fuel rods is Uranium-235. From Thermal Energy released the second step occurs because it is used to heat water used in the first step to cool the reactor, forming water steam that will move turbines. Finally, the rotation of turbine generates mechanical energy that is converted into electric energy.
In the first step, water is used to cool the core of the nuclear reactor. In the second, we use sea water to cool the water steam, condensing it.
The amount of energy that is generated in this process is large, besides being an energy source considered clean and not conditioned by climate factors such as wind and rain.
But, on the other hand, the construction and use of nuclear power plants generates huge controversy and is usually rejected by population, particularly among people who live near the plants, in view of the disasters that occurred when nuclear leak, as the case in Chernobyl and more recently, in the city of Fukushima, Japan.
We need to reflect on both sides of the issue. Making a lists of pros and cons of the use of Nuclear Energy for Electricity production we have:

  • Pros
-          It does not pollute the air with sulfur, nitrogen gases, among others, causing less impact on the biosphere, increasing the greenhouse effect;
-          It does not require a very large area for construction of the plant, when compared to a hydroelectric power plant, for instance;
-          It has few risks in transporting the fuel;
-          It is Independent of climatic factors like rainfall, winds and seasonal factors;
-          Almost all of the raw material is used, generating less waste;
-          There is wide availability of uranium in the country;
-          It is the most concentrated source of energy generation;
-          It is economically attractive because the  price per kilowatts is low and it does not depend on the price of fuel like others sources of energy;

  •  Cons
-          Radioactive nuclear waste should be stored in safe and isolated places;
-          Difficulty in storing the waste;
-          Risk of using the technologies used in fuel enrichment and waste handling for military purposes, increasing the amount of nuclear weapons;
-          Risk of nuclear accidents;
-          Environmental problems due to the aquatic ecosystems by heating the cooling water reactors.
-          Higher production cost compared to other sources.
-          Employees may be directly exposed to radiation if there is a security failure.

Analyzing all these pros and cons, should we use nuclear energy as an energy source? Are risks bigger than benefits? We must think about it.
Aline Midori (Translation: Fernanda Romero)

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