Nuclear Power: A Brief History and Overview

Origins of Nuclear Power

  • 1940s: Nuclear energy seen as a peaceful application of atomic technology after WWII.
  • Initial high hopes: free electricity, nuclear-powered vehicles, but challenges arose.

Challenges and Setbacks

  • Nuclear power proved complex and expensive.
  • Private companies hesitated due to investment risks, preferring gas, coal, and oil.
  • Motivation to continue: cheap electricity, energy independence, and potential for atomic weapons.

Rise and Dominance of Light Water Reactors

  • 1970s: Oil crisis led to increased investment in nuclear reactors.
  • Light water reactors became prevalent due to being readily available, functional, and relatively inexpensive.

Functionality of Light Water Reactors

  • Basic principle: using a controlled nuclear chain reaction to heat water.
  • Uranium<br/>235Uranium<br />\newline 235 bombarded with neutrons, causing fission and releasing energy.
  • Water acts as a moderator to control the neutrons' energy.

Nuclear Power Stagnation

  • Renewed nuclear hype lasted briefly, halted by incidents like Three Mile Island (1979), Chernobyl (1986), and Fukushima (2011).

Current Status

  • Nuclear energy accounts for ~10% of global energy demand.
  • Approximately 439 reactors in 31 countries.
  • About 70 new reactors are under construction (2015), mainly in rapidly growing countries.
  • 160 new reactors planned worldwide.
  • Most reactors are >25 years old, using light water reactor technology.

Future Considerations

  • Countries face choices: replace aging reactors or shift to alternative technologies.