What is nuclear energy?
5 min read
A low-carbon energy with very heavy infrastructures.
What is ?
Nuclear energy is used to produce from , a type of ore found underground.
The conversion takes place at a
plant.
Primary loop:
Uranium atoms are split inside a reactor using the fission process. Fission produces a very large amount of , which is used to heat water that passes through a .
Secondary loop:
The steam generated drives a turbine, which is connected to a generator that produces an electric current. An electric transformer increases the current’s voltage to simplify transmission.
Tertiary cooling loop:
Water pumped from a river or the sea cools the water used in the secondary circuit. It then circulates through a cooling tower before being returned to where it was taken from.
Nuclear energy disadvantages
- Costly installation requiring numerous precautions.
- Issue of radioactive waste management.
- Discharged water is hotter than when drawn.
Nuclear energy advantages
- Large amount of heat produced from a small quantity of uranium = very high efficiency.
- Uranium available in large quantities = reduced dependence on fossil fuels.
- No emissions, just steam.
Summary:
- Nuclear energy is used to produce electricity from uranium.
- Disadvantages: costly installation, safety concerns, waste, and impact on aquatic plants and wildlife.
- Advantages: high efficiency, reduced dependence on fossil fuels, small .
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