Nuclear energy is a highly efficient and high-quality energy source, but harnessing it for electricity generation is no simple task. On December 2, 1942, scientist Enrico Fermi and his team at the University of Chicago achieved the world's first controlled, self-sustaining nuclear chain reaction. Though the power generated was minimal—only 200 watts—it marked a monumental milestone in science. In 1951, the U.S. built the first nuclear power generation device, and by June 1954, the former Soviet Union launched the world's first 0.5 million kilowatt nuclear power plant.
By 2003, there were 440 operational nuclear reactors worldwide, contributing 16% to global electricity generation. Another 31 were under construction. The share of nuclear power in global electricity production rose from 3% in 1973 to 17.3% by then. Projections suggested that by 2020, this share would reach 22%. The U.S. leads globally with a quarter of all nuclear reactors. Lithuania and France have the highest reliance on nuclear energy, with over 75% of their electricity coming from nuclear sources. In 2003, only 2.2% of China’s electricity came from nuclear power.
Nuclear power plants are systems that convert energy from nuclear fission (or fusion) into electricity. They consist of various components depending on the reactor type. A pressurized water reactor (PWR), one of the most common types, includes a reactor core, a primary loop system, a secondary loop system, and auxiliary equipment. The primary loop transfers heat from the reactor to a steam generator, where it heats water in the secondary loop, producing steam that drives a turbine connected to a generator. This process is carefully regulated to ensure safety and efficiency.
The primary loop is pressurized and contains radioactive materials, so it is isolated from the secondary loop. The secondary loop, similar to a conventional thermal power plant, uses steam to generate electricity without direct exposure to radiation. Safety measures include containment structures designed to prevent the release of radioactive material in case of an accident. Additional systems handle waste management, cooling, and power distribution.
Nuclear power offers several advantages: it produces no air pollutants or carbon dioxide, has a high energy density, and fuel costs are relatively low. However, it also presents challenges, such as the handling of radioactive waste, thermal pollution, high initial investment, and the risk of accidents. Despite these drawbacks, nuclear energy remains a key player in the global energy mix.
There are multiple types of nuclear reactors, each with its own design and application. Pressurized water reactors (PWRs) are widely used due to their safety and efficiency. Boiling water reactors (BWRs) simplify the process by allowing water to boil directly in the core. Heavy water reactors, like the Canadian CANDU design, use natural uranium and are less common. Gas-cooled reactors and fast neutron breeder reactors are also being developed for future applications.
While fission reactors dominate current nuclear power, research into fusion reactors is advancing rapidly. Fusion, which combines light nuclei to release energy, promises a cleaner, more sustainable energy source. Although commercial fusion power is still years away, it holds great potential for the future of energy generation.
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