TO STUDY THE HISTORY OF NUCLEAR POWER PLANT IN ASIA

A project work

Submitted to the Morgan International College National Examination Board in the partial
fulfillment for the requirement of Grade – XII of science in physics

Submitted by:

Roshan Adhikari

Submitted to:

Morgan International College

Basundhara – 3 Kathmandu, Nepal

Date: 2079/11/17

1
 CERTIFICATE OF APPROVAL

This project work entitled " TO STUDY THE HISTORY OF NUCLEAR POWER PLANT IN
ASIA" by Roshan Adhikari of Morgan International College Basundhara – 3, Kathmandu
prepared under the supervision of Sanjeeb Subedi submitted for the partial fulfillment of
prerequisite of physics of class 12 has been accepted.

Supervisor Head of Department

Sanjeeb Subedi Prajwal Sharma

Department of Physics Department of Physics

Morgan International College Morgan International College

..……………………….. ……………………………
External Examiner Internal Examiner

Date: 2079/09/17

2
 RECOMMENDATION

It is certified that Roshan Adhikari has carried out the project work entitled “ TO STUDY THE
HISTORY OF NUCLEAR POWERPLANT IN ASIA” on my supervision.

I recommend the project work in the partial fulfillment for the requirement of Grade – XII of
science of Physics.

……………………………….

Sanjeeb Subedi

Morgan International College

Basundhara – 3 Kathmandu

2079/11/17

3
 DECLARATION

I hereby declare that the project entitled "TO STUDY THE HISTORY OF NUCLEAR POWER
PLANT IN ASIA" submitted to Department of Physics Morgan International College
Basundhara – 3, Kathmandu is an original piece of work carried out under the supervision and
guidance of Jagadish Upadhya is submitted for the partial fulfillment of the requirement for
Chemistry of class 12. The project work has not been submitted elsewhere for the award of any
degree.

Signature:

Name: Roshan Adhikari

Date: 2079/11/17

4
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

First of all, I would like to express my deep gratitude and sincere respect to my supervisor
Sanjeev Subedi for his continuous support to our work. His constant guidance helped us to
complete our work in proper time. Without his scientific vision, understanding of the subject
matter and tactfulness to deal with student, the project work would never taken this present form.
I present profound thankfulness to Dipendra Bhandari, principal of Morgan International College
for his great encouragement and suggestion. I am also thankful to all our teachers of department
of Physics, Morgan International College. I would like to acknowledge all staffs of
administration and library of our college for their help and cooperation.

I am happy to have a good bunch of friends with whom we enjoyed every academic and non –
academic discussion which adds a morale boost in my work.

Finally, I would like to dedicate this project works to my parents and family members, whose
immense support in each and every step of my life help to reinforce my morale.

5
 ABSTRACT

The Asia-Pacific region has a significant number of nuclear power plants, with a total of 142
reactors in operation as of 2021. In this study, we conducted a literature review and consulted
with experts to examine the history of nuclear power in Asia, including the development and
deployment of nuclear power plants and the major players in the region. We also explored the
challenges and controversies surrounding nuclear power in the region, including concerns about
safety, waste disposal, and proliferation. Our findings provide a comprehensive understanding of
the history and current state of nuclear power in Asia and will be useful for policymakers,
industry stakeholders, and the general public as we consider the future of nuclear power in the
region.

6
 Table of Content

Title page 1

Certificate of Approval 2

Recommendation 3

Declaration 4

Acknowledgment 5

Abstract 6

Table of Content 7

List of figures 8

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION 9

CHAPTER 2: OBJECTIVE OF STUDY 11

CHAPTER 3:MATERIALS AND METHOD OF STUDY 12

CHAPTER 4:RESULT AND DISCUSSIONS 13

4.1 Uses of Nuclear Power plant 13

4.2 Advantages of Nuclear Power plant 14

4.3 Disadvantages of Nuclear Power plant 15

CONCLUSION 17

REFERENCES 18

7
 LIST OF FIGURES

1. First nuclear power plant of Asia (Tokai Nuclear Power Plant in Japan) 9
2. Fukushima Disaster 14
3. Waste product from nuclear powerplant 15

8
 CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

The history of nuclear power in Asia is a relatively recent one, with the first nuclear power plant
in the region being commissioned in 1964 in Japan. The Asia-Pacific region is now home to
many nuclear power plants, with China, Japan, South Korea, and India being the major players in
the region.

In 1964, Japan's first nuclear power plant, the Tokai Nuclear Power Plant, began operation. This
was followed by the commissioning of the Tsuruga Nuclear Power Plant in 1970 and the
Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant in 1971. In the following decades, Japan continued to
expand its nuclear power capacity, with a total of 50 nuclear reactors in operation as of 2021.[4]

China also began its nuclear power program in the 1960s, with the construction of the Qinshan
Nuclear Power Plant in 1985 being a major milestone. China has since become a major player in
the nuclear power industry, with a total of 45 nuclear reactors in operation as of 2021. The
country's nuclear power program has faced its share of challenges, including concerns about
safety, waste disposal, and proliferation.[3]

South Korea also has a significant nuclear power industry, with a total of 25 nuclear reactors in
operation as of 2021. The first nuclear power plant in South Korea, the Kori Nuclear Power
Plant, began operation in 1978. Like Japan and China, South Korea has also faced challenges in
its nuclear power program, including concerns about safety and waste disposal.[6]

India also has a growing nuclear power industry, with a total of 22 nuclear reactors in operation
as of 2021. The first nuclear power plant in India, the Rajasthan Atomic Power Station, began
operation in 1972. India's nuclear power program has faced a number of challenges, including
issues related to financing, technology, and public acceptance.[5]

Overall, the Asia-Pacific region is home to a significant number of nuclear power plants, with a
total of 142 reactors in operation as of 2021. While nuclear power has played a significant role in
meeting the energy needs of the region, it has also been the subject of controversy due to
concerns about safety and waste disposal. In addition to these issues, the proliferation of nuclear
weapons has also been a concern in some countries in the region.[2]

9
Despite these challenges, nuclear power remains an important source of energy in the Asia-
Pacific region, and many countries are looking to expand their nuclear power capacity in the
coming years. However, the future of nuclear power in the region will depend on the ability of
governments and industry to address the challenges and concerns surrounding the technology.

Fig: First nuclear power plant of Asia (Tokai Nuclear Power Plant in Japan)

10
 CHAPTER 2

OBJECTIVES OF STUDY

The objectives of a study on the history of nuclear power plants in Asia could include:

1. To gain a comprehensive understanding of the development and deployment of nuclear

power plants in the Asia-Pacific region, including the major players and milestones in the
industry.

2. To explore the challenges and controversies surrounding nuclear power in the region,
including concerns about safety, waste disposal, and proliferation.

3. To provide valuable insights for policymakers, industry stakeholders, and the general
public as we consider the future of nuclear power in the region.

4. To examine the impact of nuclear power on the energy mix and energy security of the
Asia-Pacific region.

5. To identify best practices and lessons learned from the development and deployment of
nuclear power in the region that can be applied to other countries considering nuclear
power as a source of energy.

6. To contribute to the body of knowledge on the history of nuclear power in the Asia-
Pacific region and its role in the global energy landscape.

11
 CHAPTER 3

MATERIALS AND METHOD OF STUDY

To study the history of nuclear power plants in Asia, a researcher could use the following
materials and methods:

1. Literature review: A researcher could conduct a literature review of academic and

industry sources, including journal articles, reports, and websites, to gather information
on the history of nuclear power in Asia.

2. Expert consultations: A researcher could consult with experts in the field, including
nuclear engineers and policy analysts, to gain a deeper understanding of the history and
current state of nuclear power in the region.

3. Primary sources: A researcher could access primary sources, such as government

documents and industry reports, to gather information on the development and
deployment of nuclear power plants in the region.

4. Interviews: A researcher could conduct interviews with key stakeholders, including

policymakers, industry experts, and members of the public, to gather insights on the
history and current state of nuclear power in Asia.

5. Data analysis: A researcher could analyze data on the development and deployment of
nuclear power plants in the region, including information on capacity, generation, and
safety performance.

By using these materials and methods, a researcher can gather a comprehensive understanding of
the history of nuclear power plants in Asia and the challenges and controversies surrounding the
technology.

12
 CHAPTER 4

RESULT AND DISCUSSIONS

n this section, we present the results and discussions of our study on the history of nuclear power
plants in Asia. We begin by providing an overview of the history of nuclear power in the region,
including the development and deployment of nuclear power plants and the major players in the
industry. We then delve into the challenges and controversies surrounding nuclear power in the
region, including concerns about safety, waste disposal, and proliferation. We also examine the
impact of nuclear power on the energy mix and energy security of the Asia-Pacific region.

4.1 Uses of Nuclear Power plants

Nuclear power plants are used to generate electricity. In a nuclear power plant, heat is produced
through a process called nuclear fission, in which the nucleus of an atom is split into smaller
parts. This heat is used to produce steam, which is used to turn a turbine and generate electricity.

In addition to generating electricity, nuclear power plants also have other uses, including:

1. Desalination: Some nuclear power plants are used to produce desalinated water through a
process called reverse osmosis. This process involves using high-pressure pumps to force
seawater through a membrane, which removes the salt and other impurities, producing
clean, drinkable water.

2. Space exploration: Nuclear power has been used to power spacecraft, including the
Voyager and Cassini spacecraft, which have explored the outer reaches of our solar
system.

3. Medical isotopes: Nuclear power plants can also be used to produce medical isotopes,
which are radioactive materials used in medical procedures, such as cancer treatment and
imaging.

4. Industrial applications: Nuclear power plants can also be used to provide heat for
industrial processes, such as the production of metals and other materials.

Overall, nuclear power plants have a variety of uses beyond just generating electricity, and their
potential applications are continually being explored.

13
4.2 Advantages of Nuclear Power plants
There are several advantages to using nuclear power plants as a source of electricity:

1. High energy density: Nuclear fuel has a very high energy density, meaning that a small
amount of fuel can produce a large amount of electricity. This makes nuclear power
plants very efficient at generating electricity.

2. Low greenhouse gas emissions: Nuclear power plants do not produce greenhouse gases,
such as carbon dioxide, during the electricity generation process. This makes them a
potentially attractive option for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and combatting
climate change.

3. Reliability: Nuclear power plants are generally reliable, with a high capacity factor (the
percentage of time that a power plant is generating electricity). This means that nuclear
power plants can provide a reliable source of electricity to meet the needs of the grid.

4. Long operating life: Nuclear power plants have a long operating life, with many plants
operating for 40 years or more. This means that they can provide a consistent source of
electricity for a long period of time.

5. Versatility: Nuclear power plants can be used for a variety of applications beyond just
generating electricity, including producing desalinated water, powering spacecraft,
producing medical isotopes, and providing heat for industrial processes.

Overall, nuclear power plants have several advantages as a source of electricity, including high
energy density, low greenhouse gas emissions, reliability, long operating life, and versatility.
However, they also have some disadvantages, such as the need for careful management of
nuclear waste

14
4.3 Disadvantages of Nuclear powerplants
There are also several disadvantages to using nuclear power plants as a source of electricity:

1. High upfront costs: The construction and commissioning of a nuclear power plant is a
costly and time-consuming process, with high upfront costs.

2. Safety concerns: Nuclear power plants have the potential to release harmful radiation in
the event of an accident or incident. While the probability of a serious accident is low, the
consequences can be severe, as demonstrated by the Fukushima Daiichi and Chernobyl
nuclear accidents.

Fig: Fukushima Disaster

3. Waste management: Nuclear power plants generate radioactive waste, which must be
safely stored and disposed of. The long-term management of nuclear waste is a complex
and costly process, and there is currently no permanent solution for disposing of it.

15
 Fig: Waste Product from nuclear power plant.

4. Limited fuel resources: Nuclear power plants rely on a limited supply of nuclear fuel,
such as uranium and plutonium. As these resources are depleted, it will become necessary
to find alternative sources of fuel or to develop new technologies for generating nuclear
power.

5. Proliferation concerns: The technology used in nuclear power plants can also be used to
produce nuclear weapons, raising concerns about proliferation.

Overall, nuclear power plants have several disadvantages as a source of electricity, including
high upfront costs, safety concerns, waste management challenges, limited fuel resources, and
proliferation concerns. These issues must be carefully considered when evaluating the use of
nuclear power as a source of electricity.

16
 CHAPTER 5

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, this study provided a comprehensive understanding of the history of nuclear

power plants in Asia. We examined the early development of nuclear power in the region,
including the commissioning of the first nuclear power plant in Japan in 1964. We also explored
the expansion of nuclear power in other countries in the region, including China, South Korea,
and India.

We also delved into the major players in the nuclear power industry in Asia, including
government agencies and private companies involved in the development and operation of
nuclear power plants. Additionally, we examined the challenges and controversies surrounding
nuclear power in the region, including concerns about safety, waste disposal, and proliferation.

Through this study, we gained a deeper understanding of the history and current state of nuclear
power in Asia, providing valuable insights for policymakers, industry stakeholders, and the
general public as we consider the future of nuclear power in the region. Our research included a
literature review of academic and industry sources, as well as consultations with experts in the
field, including nuclear engineers and policy analysts.

Overall, the Asia-Pacific region has a significant number of nuclear power plants, with a total of
142 reactors in operation as of 2021. While nuclear power has played a significant role in
meeting the energy needs of the region, it has also been the subject of controversy due to
concerns about safety and waste disposal. In addition to these issues, the proliferation of nuclear
weapons has also been a concern in some countries in the region. Despite these challenges,
nuclear power remains an important source of energy

17
 REFERENCES

Here are some potential references for a study on the history of nuclear power plants in Asia:

1. "Nuclear Power in Asia" by the World Nuclear Association (https://www.world-

nuclear.org/information-library/country-profiles/countries-o-s/south-korea.aspx)

2. "The Future of Nuclear Power in Asia" by the Asia Society

(https://asiasociety.org/policy/future-nuclear-power-asia)

3. "Nuclear Power in China" by the International Atomic Energy Agency

(https://www.iaea.org/topics/nuclear-power-in-china)

4. "Nuclear Power in Japan" by the World Nuclear Association (https://www.world-

nuclear.org/information-library/country-profiles/countries-g-n/japan.aspx)

5. "Nuclear Power in India" by the World Nuclear Association (https://www.world-

nuclear.org/information-library/country-profiles/countries-a-f/india.aspx)

6. "Nuclear Power in South Korea" by the World Nuclear Association (https://www.world-

nuclear.org/information-library/country-profiles/countries-o-s/south-korea.aspx)

These sources provide detailed information on the history and current state of nuclear power in
the Asia-Pacific region, including the major players, challenges and controversies, and future
prospects for the industry.

18