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Nuclear Energy. Presented By: Cameron Kane, Erin Falk, and Morgan Stewart. Introduction. 1930’s – Nuclear Fission Discovered 1950’s – USSR Develops 1 st Nuclear Reactor. Is it a solution to energy problems?. Nuclear Fission. How Nuclear Reactors Work. Uranium-235
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Nuclear Energy Presented By: Cameron Kane, Erin Falk, and Morgan Stewart
Introduction • 1930’s – Nuclear Fission Discovered • 1950’s – USSR Develops 1st Nuclear Reactor Is it a solution to energy problems?
How Nuclear Reactors Work • Uranium-235 • Steam turns turbines to generate electricity • 2 Types of reactors in the U.S. • Boiling water reactor • Pressurized Water Reactor
Rise of Nuclear Power in the U.S. • 4 Main Phases • Research and Development • Declining Popularity • The Rise of Electricity Competition • The Nuclear Revival
Nuclear Power in the U.S. • Prediction: Nuclear power responsible for most/all electricity in the U.S. • Today: 19.3% of electricity in the U.S. • Initiatives
Nuclear Power Around the World • 2012: 13.5% of World’s energy • Over 430 commercial reactors in 31 countries • Total Capacity: 372,000 Megawatt
Advantages of Nuclear Power • Cleaner Energy • Clean Drinking Water • Less Land Use • Nuclear Energy vs. Fossil Fuels and Coal
Disadvantages of Nuclear Power • Economic Problems • Foreign Dependency • Cost • Environmental Hazards • Radiation Leaks and Exposure • 3 Mile Island • Chernobyl • Fukushima
Policies to Correct Inefficiencies • Inefficiencies of nuclear energy • 2006 – South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, and Tennessee pass legislation to make financing new plants easier
Future Projections of Nuclear Power • U.S. shift from nuclear to renewable energy • Decreased investment from bad reputation • Fossil fuel energy remains cheaper • Prediction: Nuclear power will be phased out as cheaper and safer energy options continue to be discovered