The return of atomic energy

While Germany is still discussing whether to cancel the decision to abandon nuclear power, the rest of the world relies on this technique. 36 new reactors are under construction around the world, an additional 81 are being drafted.

Less than 10 years ago, atomic energy was thought to be obsolete by the world. After the catastrophe at Chernobyl, almost no country wants to rely on nuclear technology, energy corporations themselves believe that nuclear power no longer has a future. No nuclear power plant has been built in North America and Western Europe for many years.

But now, technology is still unpopular. Not only developing countries in Asia and Eastern Europe but also the United States and the United Kingdom also plan to build a new nuclear power plant.

Two fundamental developments are pushing nuclear power back.

Firstly, the international struggle against climate change has given the advantage to technologies that produce less CO2 emissions. Nuclear reactors are in this category, they only emit a small fraction of CO ₂ compared to a coal-fired power plant.

Secondly, the price of oil is increasing. Until recently, electricity produced from thermoelectric plants using small and flexible gas was considered very cost-effective. Low-cost gas and building a corresponding factory cost far less than building an atomic power plant. But over the past several months the price of gas has risen sharply along with oil prices and Western nations have begun to realize that gas reserves around the world are especially in political instability.

Faced with the changing situation in the energy market, many people believe that nuclear energy becomes less and less bad.

New nuclear reactors are being exported around the world.(Photo: www.abc.net.au )

Some examples for the re-emergence of atomic energy:

USA: Atomic power plant on the principle of built houses

Most electricity in the United States is produced from coal and gas. The incident in the nuclear power plant in Harrisburg in 1979 caused Americans to lose interest in atomic energy for decades. More than 100 nuclear power plants are actually about to shut down - most are about to welcome their 40th birthday, then the US operation license expires. But more than half of them have been re-licensed to continue their operations for another 20 years.

The US Energy Minister, Mr. Samuel Bodman, asked for "130 or 230 new factories". Republican presidential candidate John McCain also supports the construction of hundreds of new reactors. Barack Obama of the Democratic Party is in principle against the expansion of nuclear energy use. Only more than a fifth of electricity in the United States is produced by nuclear power plants. There are plans to round up 30 new reactors, 4 plants are being considered for licensing.

British Union: Renaissance of reactors

The British Union seems to be about to become a nuclear-free country: 26 reactors have ceased production due to longevity, only 19 reactors remain active, providing 20% ​​of electrical energy. According to the plan until 2023, except for a single factory, all will stop working.

But over the past month, Prime Minister Gordon Brown announced a green revolution. "The most important transformation of energy policy since the beginning of nuclear energy" intends not only to install 7,000 wind turbines and nearly 7 million photovoltaic panels but also call for the revival of nuclear energy. . The foggy country intends to produce up to 40% of its nuclear energy, which requires at least 20 new reactors. The first factory can go into operation right from 2018.

Japan promotes the use of nuclear energy

With 55 reactors, the world's second largest industrial country supplies a third of the electricity demand from nuclear technology, and by 2017 this ratio is expected to be raised to 40%.

Turkey is about to use nuclear energy

By 2020, Turkey will invest $ 130 billion in the energy sector and wants to build the first two nuclear power plants until the end of the year. The plan to build a nuclear power plant is considered dangerous, because the intended site, Akkuyu, is only a few kilometers away from an earthquake area.

Switzerland plans to build 3 new nuclear power plants

Currently, 60% of Switzerland's electricity comes from water power, the remaining 40% is from 5 nuclear power plants. Swiss power corporations are planning to build 3 new nuclear power plants with a total capacity of 4800 MW. However, it is not clear whether all 3 projects will be implemented. Even the major power corporations said that only two new power plants were needed.

The final decision belongs to the Swiss people, who will vote in a referendum in 2012 or 2013 to decide whether to build a new nuclear power plant.

China built a new generation nuclear reactor

According to the plan, within the next 12 years, the number of reactors will be increased from 11 to 30. By 2020, it is expected that up to 3 nuclear power plants of 1000 MW will come into operation every year.

In 2020, Chinese nuclear power plants will produce 60 million KW, equivalent to 5% of energy demand. 10 years later, nuclear power will reach 16%. New generation nuclear reactors will be built inland instead of along the coast as before.