What is Nuclear Energy? What are the Advantages and Disadvantages?

The energy generated by fusion and fragmentation as a result of collision of atomic nuclei reaching maximum energy at high temperature is called nuclear energy.

During nuclear power generation, neutrons strike Uranium-235 nuclei in reactors. A uranium-235 nucleus swallows a neutron, transforming into Uranium-236, which is very unstable and immediately splits. New neutrons and energy emerge as a result of this fragmentation. The energy produced in this way is called “nuclear energy”. Newly emerging neutrons crash into other Uranium-235 nuclei, causing them to split as well. In this way, it is ensured that energy is produced continuously. This event is called chain reaction and “nuclear energy” is obtained in this way.

Nuclear Energy History

Nuclear energy has been on the agenda of politicians, scientists and industrialists in the process that started with the discovery of Uranium in 1879 and continued with the disintegration of the atom in 1934. As in many other technological developments, the studies that started first in the field of military defense continued later commercially.

The first nuclear power plant was established in the Soviet Union in 1954.

Advantages of Nuclear Power Plants

It is a reliable, cheap, sustainable and accessible energy source.
Nuclear power plants operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, without being affected by meteorological conditions.
The nuclear fuel raw material Uranium has spread to different geographies around the world.
Nuclear fuel cost in electricity unit cost pricing is very low compared to other energy sources.
They do not emit greenhouse gases during operation. Therefore, they are an important alternative in preventing global warming.
The installation area of ​​nuclear power plants is quite small compared to all other power plants.
Due to the fact that the radiation in our environment has an effect of only 1%, settlement, agriculture, fishing and tourism can be done next to the power plants.
Nuclear power plants, referred to as 3 (+) generations, provide cooling for 72 hours without external human intervention, protection against aircraft crashes, passive security systems, digital control rooms, compact equipment and system designs. they have a safe design with advances.

Disadvantages of Nuclear Energy

Nuclear power plants create very dangerous waste. These wastes should be stored regularly.
The consequences of accidents that may occur in nuclear power plants are very devastating for both nature and humanity.
At the same time, it carries a risk against terrorist attacks that may come from outside.
It is estimated that uranium resources will be depleted in 30 to 60 years.
In nuclear power plants, boiling water reactors, cooling water passes through the reactor core. Therefore, if there is any fuel leak, the water will be contaminated (contaminated).