Nuclear Energy

By: Sophia, Ayaan, and Brock

HOW NUCLEAR ENERGY WORKS

In nuclear power plants, neutrons collide with uranium
atoms, splitting them. In the core of nuclear reactors,
the fission of uranium atoms releases energy that heats
water to about 520 degrees Fahrenheit. This hot water
is then used to spin turbines that are connected to
generators, producing electricity.

LOCATION OF STATIONS
There are many factors that the government and companies consider
before building a nuclear power plant. Provincial laws, surrounding
geography, settlement patterns, and settlement distribution. It's
recommended that energy companies build on land that is already
cleared, an entirely new location would have to go through a long
examination by government companies where the power plant is
intended to be built. This would ensure that the land is sustainable to
be built on won't harm the surrounding environment and habitats.
Nuclear power plants require water to operate, companies would most
likely consider building near large bodies of water. An example of a
power plant located near water is the Pickering Nuclear Generating
Station.

COST ADVANTAGES AND

The construction cost is high to build DISADVANTAGES
nuclear energy plants, but both the Advantages:
transmission and operating cost is low. Transmission cost is low
The construction cost is between $6 Operating cost is low
Billion and $9 Billion for each 1,100 Canada has an abundant supply of
MW plant. uranium
No air pollution
Disadvantages:
Construction cost is high
Radioactive fuel hazardous to humans
Waste products
Unreliable as age

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
The negative impacts of nuclear energy on the environment are mostly undergone by the
energy cycle. This includes the extraction process, using, and releasing the energy into
the air. In the extraction process, radioactive elements from uranium could dissolve into
soil, this poses a threat to settlements located near the mining site. Locals in the area
could start developing health problems. Uranium mining has widespread effects for
instance it contaminates the environment, emits radioactive fumes, water-borne toxins,
and increases levels of background radiation. During the uranium mining process, both
the surrounding environment and the miners are put at risk of radiation exposure due to
radioactive materials. During fuel enrichment, there are hazardous chemicals used that
pose a greater threat to the environment. Some nuclear power plants rely on the use of
fossil fuels to operate whereby they release greenhouse gasses into the environment.

CITATION:
WNA. (2020, March). Javascript Required! Retrieved November 27, 2020, from
https://www.world-nuclear.org/information-library/economic-aspects/economics-of-
nuclear-power.aspx
The effect of nuclear energy on the environment - 1624 Words: Essay Example.
(n.d.). Retrieved November 27, 2020, from https://ivypanda.com/essays/the-effect-of-
nuclear-energy-on-the-environment
WNA. (2020, March). Javascript Required! Retrieved November 27, 2020, from
https://www.world-nuclear.org/information-library/economic-aspects/economics-of-
nuclear-power.aspx