ENERGY

NUCLEAR POWER PLANT

NAME: SUARDI BIN NANANG D20091035131

Issues On Nuclear Power In Malaysia

Malaysia only rely on fossil fuels and hydro power to generate electricity. However, due to the increasing cost on fossil fuels and limited pure gas. Malaysia had to find an alternative ways to fulfill energy demand in this country. Currently, electricity consumption in Malaysia is 14,000 megawatts, while the maximum capacity that country provided is 23,000 megawatts. Malaysia has approved the proposal to build a nuclear power plant will start its operational from 2021.

NUCLEAR POWER PLANT

A nuclear power plant (NPP) is a thermal power station in which the heat source is one or more nuclear reactors. As in a conventional thermal power station the heat is used to generate steam which drives a steam turbine connected to a generator which produces electricity.

Mechanism of Nuclear Power Generation

In nuclear power plants, uranium fuel undergoes nuclear fission and generates an enormous amount of heat. The heat makes hightemperature and high-pressure steam that rotates turbines to generate electricity.

Advantages Of Nuclear Power

Nuclear power plants are more efficient than ever before. Reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Although the initial cost of building nuclear plants is high, the running costs are relatively low.

Disadvantages Of Nuclear Power

Waste - High-level radioactive waste is very dangerous. It lasts for tens of thousands of years before decaying to safe levels. High risks associated with accidents - Even small radiation leaks can cause devastating effects on the surrounding environment and people. A cataclysmic accident can cause widespread radiation poisoning across many countries as the Chernobyl Nuclear disaster proved.

Disadvantages Of Nuclear Power

Terrorist Targets - Due to the wide spread damage a reactor breach could cause, nuclear power plants could become favoured terrorist targets. Some nuclear reactions also produce plutonium in large quantities which could be used in nuclear weaponry. Not renewable - Nuclear power is not a renewable source of energy. Uranium is a metal that is mined from the ground in much the same way as coal is mined. It is a scarce metal and the supply of uranium will one day run out making all the nuclear power plants obsolete. Nuclear power is not a long term solution to finding a renewable, environmentally friendly energy source.

Disadvantages Of Nuclear Power

Time and Money - It takes a long time to plan and build a nuclear power plant that is safe and effective. Nuclear power is therefore to a quick solution to the worlds energy issues. In addition to the time it take to effectively plan and build a nuclear power plant, a lot of money has to be spent to make sure that the plant is safe. Unsafe plants mean that there are more likely to be accidents.

Safety Regulations of Nuclear Power Plants

License and Inspections All nuclear power plants must be licensed by the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission (U.S. NRC). Before a new reactor is built, the U.S. NRC must approve the construction plans. The construction of the new reactor is monitored while in progress, and a final inspection is required when the new reactor is finished. After passing this initial inspection, nuclear power plants must submit to future inspections by the U.S. NRC and other regulatory agencies at least every other year. Nuclear power plant inspections are quite thorough and check not only the physical condition of the plant but also compliance with laws regarding plant maintenance, employee training, operating procedures, emergency preparedness and security.

Safety Regulations of Nuclear Power Plants

Storage Containers Eventually, the uranium used to produce energy in a nuclear reactor ages and is no longer useful. This spent uranium is not able to continue producing energy, but it is still very radioactive. The spent uranium is placed into storage containers and may be stored at the plant or shipped to a storage facility. The storage containers used to store and transport uranium must pass a series of safety tests to ensure that they will not open or leak. The containers are dropped onto a hard surface from a height of 30 feet. They must be able to tolerate this drop on both a flat surface and an uneven surface without puncturing or opening. Next the container is subjected to a fire for 30 minutes. The fire must be 1,475 degrees F. Finally, the container is immersed in water. Containers must pass all of these tests without opening or leaking in order to be used for uranium storage.

Safety Regulations of Nuclear Power Plants

Fire Safety the plants install fire resistant insulation to keep fires from spreading. Sensitive fire alarms and automatic sprinkler systems are also used to detect and extinguish fires. Fire detection is so important that plants not having adequate fire monitoring equipment are required to have a team of individuals dedicated to the job of watching for fires. In addition, nuclear power plants are required to have at least one control station completely protected against fire from which workers can safely shut down the nuclear reactor if necessary.

Safety Regulations of Nuclear Power Plants

Reports
Nuclear power plants must report certain events to the U.S. NRC even if these events occur as a part of the plant's normal operations. Plants must file a report every time the plant is shut down for any reason. Any problems with plant safety or security equipment should also be reported. Any event that might negatively affect plant safety must be reported, even if this event is outside the borders and control of the nuclear power facility.

Conclusion
The uses of nuclear energy have many advantages and disadvantages. Such country must take regulations before trying to build a nuclear power plan in order to avoid accident.