The Nuclear Option

A few weeks back, we visited two very different power-producting plants as part of my Energy Industry group's studies.

The first was the Peach Bottom Atomic Power Station http://www.exeloncorp.com/powerplants/peachbottom/Pages/profile.aspx, which is a two-unit nuclear generation facility located on the west bank of the Conowingo Pond (Susquehanna River) in Delta, Pennsylvania.  Each of the plant's two units generate over 1000MW (2000MW total) --- enough to generate electricity for more than 2 million homes.  Nuclear power plants like these are basically a steam power plant that is fueled by a radioactive element (e.g., uranium). The highly toxic fuel is placed in a reactor, where, under the right conditions, the atom will split into two smaller atoms and throw off two or sometimes three neutrons in the process. The splitting process, known as fission, releases great amounts of energy in the form of gamma rays. This energy is used to heat water until it turns to steam. From here, the mechanics of a steam power plant take over, very similar to that of, for example, a coal-burning power plant. The steam pushes on large turbines, which force coils of wire to interact with a magnetic field, thus generating electricity. 

In the US, nuclear power plants like this one contribute about 8% of our overall energy needs, and about 20% of our electricity needs --- our AEP bill's "environmental disclosure" statement indicates that about 15% of our Rockbridge home's electricity comes from nuclear power generation (80-85% from coal-burning power plants and the rest from hydro and natural gas).  There are no new nuclear plants being planned in the US...why do you suppose that is?  China, on the other hand, is building many more nuclear power plants to provide electricity for their growing population and economy, and France, which relies on nuclear energy for 68% of their energy needs, continues to invest in nuclear power.  Which country's plan is best?

One thing I've not yet figured out in my own mind is --- how "green" is nuclear energy?  It doesn't release carbon into the environment like burning fossil fuels (a great thing!), but there is this thing called nuclear waste that needs dealt with.  For the US, the Yucca Mountain nuclear waste storage site was the answer, but after spending a LOT of money, in 2009 the administration announced that the site was no longer an option and proposed to eliminate all funding (which has prompted inquiries from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC).  We'll see what happens. 

Sorry there's no pictures associated with this post...I didn't want to get shot!  As you might imagine, security at the nuclear plant was incredible.  Having dealt with and visited many labs that work with hazardous materials (chemical, biological), I've witnessed security, but this was a notch above what I was accustomed to!...AK-47-toting guards, elevated shooting stands, the works! 

I'll have to write about my hydro power plant visit another time...