Nuclear power and public policy
Question 1
The water in the primary system is pressurized, and works as a regulator to reduce motion of the neutrons. This enables occurrence of nuclear reaction in the core. The reaction emits heat, which is transferred to the steam generators. This process can be stopped by use of fuel rods.
Question 2
The major concern in using nuclear technology is the risks involved. Nuclear energy is effective but it is a disaster incase of an accident. The waste produced is radioactive has severe consequences for long lengthy time. It could be used as weapon by terrorists. Nuclear power plants are also very expensive to put up.
Question 3
Nuclear energy is a renewable energy unlike energy from fossil. Pro nuclear activists argue that the use of this energy will eliminate the threat of running out of energy in future. They also add that fossil energy producers are anti activist because they fear being out done from the market.
Question 4
The politics associated with nuclear energy are a competition between the anti-nuclear activists and pro-activists. Many countries’ development of this technology has been determined by these two groups. Some do not want it not because it could be disastrous but because they do not want competition in fossil energy production.
Question 5
Currently, the USA is producing about 807 billion kWh. The country has 104 plant producing 20% of the total electricity. The nuclear regulatory commission is intending to improve its reviews on the safety of nuclear. These concerns were raised after the disaster in Fukushima. Despite these developments, there is increased level of opposing this technology.
Question 6
There exists a regulation commission that ensures that all nuclear plants comply with the requirements. They are required to be licensed and inspected. There are also several Acts that ensure that nuclear energy production is done on the safest ways possible. For example, there is an Act that dictates on how to dispose the wastes of nuclear production.
Question 7
Despite the federal control on nuclear materials, there is a possibility of creating weapons using nuclear energy. The nuclear reactor used for electricity production, can also be used to produce plutonium. This is a weapons grade material so it can be used to make a nuclear weapon. The reactors could also be used as weapons when they are sabotaged to overheat and melt down.
Question 8
As much as nuclear energy is reliable, the people are concerned about their safety and the risks that are posed by this technology. The scientists and engineers are also mindful about safety and that is why they comply with the regulations from the commission. The government does not oppose use of nuclear but it is strict on their operations.
Question 9
The major obstacle is anti-activists of nuclear technology. Some countries have not ventured into this technology because of opposition from those who do not support it. These people should be made to understand the benefits of this technology. Terrorists can use nuclear reactors as weapons. This is dangerous to countries using nuclear. Security measures should be ensured to avoid such tragedies. Using nuclear energy could be expensive, especially when putting up the plants. More finances can be directed to such projects from the national budget. The severe consequences brought by radioactivity have prevented many countries from using this technology. Safety measures should be adopted and adhered to.
Question 10
More developments are being made on the nuclear reactors. They are being advanced for better operations and improved safety. For example a pebble bed reactor has been modified to have safe operating temperatures. Nuclear rectors were considered to enhance in climate change. Unfortunately, it is not possible for them to have considerable effect in good time. Politically, there is increased opposition in nuclear technology.
Question11
Energy policy is determined by the government. The policies address issues of production, consumption and distribution. The energy sources used are nuclear energy, energy from fossil fuel, biofuels and other renewable resources like solar and wind power. The government’s role is enhancing conservation of energy and use of modern ways of producing energy. The subsidies given by the government are in biofuels, to consumers and other types of subsidies to energy production. In future there is likely to be a crisis in fossil fuel because the sources are depleting. If more development is continue in nuclear reactors, they will be safer to use than in the present.
Question 12
Nuclear power is generally viewed as a dangerous way of producing energy. This is mainly after the Fukushima disaster, which made this technology get more resistance. To the countries that believe in it, they enhanced their safety measures. It is also considered to help in the climate change crisis.
Question13
Nuclear fuel cycle raises questions about people’s safety. This is not when there happens to be an accident but also during other activities like disposing waste material. If disposed unsafely, it could have adverse effects on people. The regulatory commission should continue to ensure that safety measures are being observed strictly.
Question 14
There are environmental implications brought by nuclear fuel cycle. This process relies on materials like uranium and plutonium. These materials have to be mined by the conventional methods of mining. These methods could compromise the welfare of the environment. Emerging questions about the environment will be whether the mining methods will destroy the environment. Another would be whether the mining company will rehabilitate the land after mining.
Question 15
The license is given by the nuclear regulatory commission. The first step is an early site permit. All applicants must hand in a safety analysis report. The commission must determine whether all requirements are meant before approving an application. The proposed site must be approved hence, requires a permit. The next step is to acquire a construction permit and an operating license. Some of the challenges are faced when acquiring the site permit. It is said to disjoin and cause segmentation of the design processing, artificially. Time is too limited for this process, especially when applying for a contention. Some factors like waste and security issues are not attended to in the permit. Another important thing ignored in this permit is consideration for another source of energy. This is so up to the stage of acquiring a combined construction and operating license. The most important thing a utility should be concerned with is the safety of the plant. In fact this is the most fundamental determination of qualifying for a license.
Use the order calculator below and get started! Contact our live support team for any assistance or inquiry.
[order_calculator]