Focus on Fission Reactors
There are lots of misinformation surrounding nuclear power. It is our duty to dispel those myths and educate the public with facts.
Bohunice nuclear plant, Slovakia
Quick facts:
- Fuel cycle:
uranium mining --> conversion: U3O8 to
UF6
--> enrichment --> fuel fabrication
--> reactor power generation --> storage
--> reprocessing --> waste vitrification --> storage
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Fission of 1 uranium-235 nucleus yields energy of about 180 MeV (or 2.9e-11 J). 1 kg of 3% enriched uranium thus yields 600 MWh. (An average Thai household uses 4.3 MWh/year.)
- 1 kg of natural uranium (0.7% U-235) yields 5x105 MJ.
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Energy content of coal is about 25 MJ/kg; natural gas 55 MJ/kg; gasoline 50 MJ/kg; crude oil 45 MJ/kg. (source: EIA/DOE, US)
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As of 30 Aug 2007, there are 439 power reactors in 30 countries, generating 16% (1/6) of the world electricity. Plenty more countries (56) have experience operating nuclear research reactors for non-electricity uses.
Brief articles:
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