Monthly Archives: April 2011

Peak Oil

Non OPEC (Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries) oil production which accounts for 60% of world output has not increased significantly since 2004, when daily output was 40 million barrels. Leading oil experts thus say that we are in a period … Continue reading

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Nuclear Reactor Notes

Nuclear reaction – neutron hits U-235, and heat and other neutrons are given off. The original U-235 breaks down into lighter elements. Nuclear power began in 1950. Nuclear plants in operation are either generation I or generation II. Several generation … Continue reading

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Chernobyl Nuclear Disaster

Chernobyl – On April 26, 1986 the Chernobyl nuclear power plant reactor exploded. 100,000 people were evacuated, and more than 5 million people still live in contaminated areas. Because many radionuclides were released into the atmosphere, many European countries were … Continue reading

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Fukushima Nuclear Disaster

Fukushima Nuclear Disaster –On March 11, 2011, the earthquake and tsunami hit and caused the 3 reactors in Fukushima to overheat and partially melt down. The earthquake knocked out the plant’s power, and the tsunami flooded the backup generators that … Continue reading

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Problems with Nuclear Power

Problems with nuclear power Cost Nuclear power is more expensive than coal and natural gas Reducing construction time can reduce cost Carbon emission credits would benefit the nuclear industry Safety Safety of the overall fuel cycle must be studied Modern … Continue reading

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Future Nuclear Power Production in the US, Germany, and China

In February 2011, Obama put $54 billion in the proposed budget for loans for new nuclear plants. In 2007, Congress passed a bill to fund loan guarantees, and 28 applications were filed for the construction of new nuclear plants. Not … Continue reading

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