Home » Nuclear News
Category Archives: Nuclear News
Nuclear Articles
-
Fusion as a Way for Limitless Energy Revolution in the World
-
Advancing Radiation Detection Instruments for Global Nuclear Security
-
Giant Curtain in Energy Revolution: China Builds World’s First Thorium Reactor
-
Madame Curie’s Death Anniversary: The Founder of Radiation
-
European Commission considers nuclear a low carbon source of hydrogen
-
Rosatom announced today that preparatory work for the construction of four new reactors has commenced
-
IAEA Steps Up To Help With Covid -19 Detection
Flag Counter
Fusion as a Way for Limitless Energy Revolution in the World
Fusion Energy as a Solution to Carbon Emissions
Fusion energy has the potential to produce clean and sustainable energy by imitating the nuclear reactions that occur in the sun and release huge amounts of energy. Scientists and engineers around the world have been working for years to turn this potential into reality. Fusion energy can provide an unlimited source of energy and contribute greatly to the fight against climate change by reducing carbon emissions. China stands out as one of the leading countries in fusion energy thanks to its investments and technological developments in this field. Fusion Reaction, which means creating a kind of artificial sun, is actually very important and can easily meet all the energy needs of the world. It’s a special type of nuclear energy.
Importance of Fusion Energy
The most basic advantage of fusion energy is that it is environmentally friendly. Today, a large part of energy production is obtained by burning fossil fuels, and this process causes a large amount of carbon dioxide to be released into the atmosphere. The release of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases accelerates global warming and climate change. However, fusion energy produces almost no greenhouse gases compared to fossil fuels. In addition, the waste released during fusion reactions is much less hazardous than the waste from nuclear fission reactors. The waste produced by fusion is low radioactive and becomes safe in a relatively short time. This greatly reduces the need for waste management and long-term storage.
The second major advantage of fusion energy is that the fuel source is almost unlimited. The basic fuels used in fusion reactions are deuterium and tritium, especially the hydrogen isotopes. Deuterium is abundant in nature and can be easily obtained from seawater. Tritium can be produced from lithium. Since these two elements are abundant on Earth, the potential energy that can be obtained with fusion energy is many times greater than the current fossil fuel reserves. This means that humanity can find a permanent solution to its energy crises.
Another important advantage of fusion energy is its energy density. Fusion reactions produce a very large amount of energy per unit of fuel. This means that more energy can be obtained by using less fuel. In addition, fusion reactors allow large energy production facilities to be built in smaller areas thanks to their high energy density. This is a major advantage over current power plants that require large geographic areas to meet local energy demands.
The importance of fusion energy for the world is not limited to energy production. This technology can also play a critical role in combating climate change, ensuring energy security and economic growth. As an inexhaustible energy source, it can close the energy gap worldwide and reduce energy costs. It can also provide a cleaner and more sustainable future by eliminating environmental problems caused by fossil fuels.
Power Capacity of a Fusion Reactor
The question of how much energy a fusion reactor can produce depends on its design, size, and the technologies used. However, theoretically, a commercial-scale fusion reactor could produce a huge amount of energy and power cities of millions of people on its own. For example, the ITER (International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor) project, which has been proposed by many scientists, is designed to have the capacity to produce about 500 megawatts of electrical energy if it is successful. This amount of energy could power approximately 200,000 to 300,000 homes. A slightly larger 2 GW fusion reactor could easily meet the energy needs of a large metropolitan area. However, the real potential of fusion energy will be revealed in the future when the number of such reactors increases and they are equipped with more efficient technologies. Although fusion technology is not yet commercially available, research is ongoing and great progress is being made in this area. Projects like ITER are big steps towards making fusion energy commercially viable. As commercial fusion reactors become widespread, large cities and even countries will be able to be powered by this energy source.
China and Fusion Technology
China has managed to take the lead in fusion energy by establishing a strong infrastructure for fusion research in recent years. For example, the EAST (Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak) reactor located in the eastern Anhui Province of China is one of the most advanced Tokamak fusion reactors in the world. In 2021, the EAST reactor managed to heat the plasma to 120 million degrees Celsius and maintain it at this temperature for 101 seconds. This is a significant milestone in fusion research and demonstrates China’s technological superiority in this field. Advanced technologies such as EAST contribute to China becoming a world leader in fusion energy research. China, which managed to keep the fusion reaction active for an even longer period in 2024, has passed an important milestone in this regard.
China has an approach that encourages international cooperation in fusion energy research. Chinese scientists actively participate in international research projects and promote knowledge sharing. In particular, joint projects are carried out with countries such as the European Union, the United States, Russia, India, Japan and South Korea. These collaborations facilitate China’s access to cutting-edge technologies and knowledge in fusion research, while also enabling it to develop its own research capacity.
China’s leadership in fusion energy research is of great importance both nationally and globally. Fusion energy, which has the potential to create positive impacts in many areas such as energy security, environmental sustainability, economic development, and scientific progress, is among China’s strategic priorities. The successful implementation of this technology could usher in a new era in energy production and consumption and fundamentally change global energy dynamics. China’s efforts in this field play an important role in the world’s future energy landscape. Therefore, its pioneering in both Fusion and Thorium reactors is an extraordinary revolution for China and is also very important for the world.
Advancing Radiation Detection Instruments for Global Nuclear Security
Innovative ideas on how artificial intelligence, machine learning, uncrewed aerial systems, and other technologies can be used to enhance existing radiation detection capabilities for nuclear security are being explored by many countries around the world.
During an IAEA technical meeting held from 14 to 18 August 2023, best practices, accomplishments, and challenges in the use of radiation detection equipment for nuclear security were shared by more than 150 experts from over 75 countries. The experts participated in active discussions on radiation detection tools, technologies, and techniques in a mix of plenary and smaller topical sessions, as well as smaller breakout working sessions.
“The experience and expertise of the meeting participants ran the gamut from research to development and testing, and from frontline officers to senior decision-makers,” said Itimad Soufi, Head of the IAEA’s Nuclear Security of Materials Outside of Regulatory Control Section, adding that “this broad cross-section participation supported important discussions on the safety-security interface that will improve the use and sustainment of radiation detection equipment.”
Indonesia was among the countries presenting its work on advances in the performance of portable radiation detectors for nuclear security using open-source software. “In the Indonesian archipelago, nuclear security relies heavily on the effective operation and networking of radiation detection equipment in multiple locations spread along its vast coastline,” said Kristedjo Kurnianto, Senior Researcher for Indonesia’s Research Center for Radiation Detection and Nuclear Analysis Technology.
“We are utilizing cross-cutting technology for radiation detection. By effectively leveraging several emerging technologies, we have enhanced Indonesia’s nuclear security measures. Indonesia has set an example of harnessing innovation to improve nuclear security,” Kurnianto said. The meeting centered around applying emerging technologies for radiation detection in nuclear security and emphasized the need to better support the role of frontline officers (FLOs) in nuclear security. “The latest advancements in radiation detection are putting frontline officers’ operational needs and challenges front and center by prioritizing technological development that simplifies and supports their work,” said Alina Smyslova, Deputy Program Director of Sustainability for the Office of Nuclear Smuggling, Detection and Deterrence of the United States Department of Energy National Nuclear Security Administration, and co-chair of the meeting.
The IAEA decision-making support tools developed specifically to assist FLOs in carrying out their nuclear security activities were presented during the meeting. The Tool for Radiation Alarm and Commodity Evaluation (TRACE)and the software Mobile Integrated Nuclear Security Network (M-INSN) are both available to countries to help them enhance their radiation detection operations and capabilities.
In addition, a new smartphone application named Personnel Alarm Assessment Tool (PAAT) is presently undergoing testing to be released publicly by the end of this year. These smartphone applications enhance knowledge transfers and the efficiency and effectiveness of radiation detection alarm assessments, reduce subjectivity in alarm assessment, and provide greater command and control of nuclear security options.
During the meeting, which was supported financially by the United States of America, participants received hands-on technical demonstrations of radiation detection technologies and decision making support tools. Prominent discussion outcomes centered heavily on leveraging emerging technologies to address pressing technical limitations, such as supporting ongoing technological sustainment, and human resource constraints including the current need for extensive training on many of the instruments used for radiation detection operations.
Participants discussed how improvements in detector and data analysis technologies could facilitate more streamlined communication and sharing of information for decision-makers. This could ensure a coordinated approach when responding to a radiation detection event.
“These are important areas that will advance radiation detection technology for nuclear security,” said May Bee Leng Ong, co-chair and Director for Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and Explosives (CBRNE) at the CBRNE Center of Expertise at the Singapore Science and Technology Agency. “As a result of this meeting, I foresee greater international cooperation in radiation detection for nuclear security. Enhancing radiation detection and security is not a pure technological pursuit. It ought to be a commitment to safeguard the peace, resources, and stability for our shared future.”
Nuclear Energy Lectures also supports this initiative as radiation detection and security is an important part of peaceful use of nuclear energy.
Giant Curtain in Energy Revolution: China Builds World’s First Thorium Reactor
Energy is one of the most important criteria in the world and we can say that it is the most important requirement of every function. Without energy, there can be no production, and it is not even possible to consume the produced materials and commodities. When we look at the old World Wars and even the Gulf War, we see that they were completely aimed at controlling energy deposits (oil). However, now that oil has decreased in the world, renewable energy and nuclear energy have come to the fore. The biggest problem in Nuclear Energy is that the Fission Reaction leaves radioactive residues and carries many dangers, and Uranium is found in limited quantities in the world and is the monopoly of certain states such as the USA. China, as the second largest economy in the world, is perhaps the most intensive producer in the world in terms of production, and energy is very important for the existence of the Chinese Economy. In this sense, China is working very intensively on energy studies and has made very serious progress by making the world’s first thorium reactor at this level and has opened a very important giant curtain in the energy revolution.
Why is Thorium Reactor Important?
Thorium reactors are a type of nuclear reactor proposed as an alternative to traditional uranium-based nuclear reactors in energy production. These reactors use the naturally abundant thorium element, which is less radioactive than uranium. Thorium cannot be used directly as a nuclear fuel; however, it can be converted to uranium-233 by neutron bombardment in a nuclear reactor environment. The uranium-233 isotope produced in this process can then be used for energy production. One of the biggest advantages of thorium reactors is that they produce much less radioactive waste in the nuclear fuel cycle and that this waste is easier to manage in the long term. In addition, the abundance of thorium around the world provides a great advantage for such reactors in terms of energy supply security. China and Turkey have the world’s largest Thorium reserves.
China’s First Thorium Reactor: A Turning Point
China is making major investments in nuclear energy to meet its energy needs and reduce its dependence on fossil fuels. As part of these efforts, China commissioned the world’s first thorium-based liquid salt reactor in 2021. This experimental reactor, built in Wuwei, Gansu Province, is designed to evaluate the potential of thorium in energy production and to become a world leader in thorium-based nuclear power generation. China’s thorium reactor has a thermal power generation capacity of approximately 2 megawatts and is initially planned to be used for testing technology and safety systems rather than for electricity generation. The reactor was successfully operated and its performance results were seen in 2024. China has plans to build larger and commercial thorium reactors by 2030. This will contribute to China’s energy independence and mark a turning point in the global transition to thorium-based nuclear energy.
China’s thorium reactor project could have a significant impact on energy policies and nuclear technology development strategies worldwide. Conventional nuclear power generation faces challenges such as security risks, radioactive waste management issues, and nuclear proliferation threats. Thorium reactors have the potential to solve many of these problems. First, the use of thorium results in less radioactive waste being produced and in a shorter half-life. This greatly simplifies radioactive waste management and reduces long-term storage requirements. Additionally, nuclear accidents are less likely in thorium reactors because the reactor design provides automatic shutdown in the event of an emergency.
China’s leadership in this area may encourage other countries to develop thorium reactors. Especially in a world where energy consumption is rapidly increasing and the environmental impacts of fossil fuels are increasingly causing concern, thorium-based nuclear energy stands out as a clean and sustainable energy source. In addition, thorium reactors minimize the production of plutonium that can be used for nuclear weapons production, which can contribute to nuclear disarmament efforts. China’s leadership in this area can determine the direction of global energy policies and technological developments and lead to the widespread use of thorium reactors. Therefore, China’s thorium reactor project is a critical development not only for China but for the entire world. In this way, energy can be produced with fewer radioactive reactors and, more importantly, there will be no dependence on the US for uranium.
Considering that many countries like Turkey and India also have huge Thorium Reserves, it is essential for them to cooperate with China and take part in this energy revolution. In fact, India thorium based nuclear reactor research is also progressing for a similar breakthrough.
COVID-19 Nuclear News: Nuclear Industry in EU Begins To Isolate Key Operational Staff
The operators of nuclear power plants in Europe are taking steps to minimize the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. Actions include isolating key staff and stockpiling items workers might need if they are unable to leave a site.
In Europe, Nuclearelectrica, which operates the Cernavodă nuclear power station in Romania, has already isolated about 400 essential operating and production staff at Cernavodă. A spokeswoman told wire services that the measure, based on established emergency plans, will remain in place as long as necessary. The staff are isolated in a specially designated area within the Cernavoda plant site.
France, the world’s most nuclear energy dependent nation, announced staff reductions at its Flamanville nuclear station. EDF said that due to high regional infection rates it was reducing the staff at the plant from 800 to 100.
A spokesman for the Flamanville plant told Reuters that “we have decided to only keep those in charge of safety and security” working while the coronavirus crisis runs its course.
Vattenfall, which owns 10 nuclear reactors in Sweden and Germany, said measures are in place to deal with the outbreak.
”We are well equipped to carry out our yearly outage season and plan to continue to supply fossil-free electricity to our customers, both in the short and long term,” the company said in an email statement.
CEZ, state-owned operator of the Czech Republic’s nuclear fleet, said it has been applying preventive measures since the end of February. Business trips have been suspended and all information centers including those at nuclear plants, have been closed and all excursions and visits to the plants suspended. Bus services used by employees and suppliers to and from nuclear plants are being frequently disinfected.
Last week further preventive measures were applied by CEZ at Temelin, Dukovany and other facilities that are considered critical state infrastructure. The measures include taking the temperature of everyone entering a facility and social distancing in canteens.
Personal meetings have been suspended in favour of electronic means of communication and “several hundred” employees are working from home.
“All these measures are purely preventive [and] we have not registered any case of coronavirus at the nuclear plants so far,” a spokeswoman said.
Madrid-based industry group Foro Nuclear said Spain’s seven commercial nuclear units remain in operation and operators are focused on the security of workers. They have implemented, in conjunction with the regulatory body, measures to protect workers including flexible working hours and remote working in positions that allow it.
New-build projects, including those at Hinkley Point C in England, Hanhkivi-1 in Finland have not been delayed by the outbreak.
Construction at Hinkley Point C in the UK has not been affected by the spread of the Covid-19 coronavirus, but EDF Energy said it will be working with contractors and trades unions to review the developing situation in the coming days and weeks.
Also in the UK, authorities announced they are shutting down a nuclear fuel reprocessing site at Sellafield after 8% of its 11,500-strong staff were forced to self-isolate. The move came after an employee tested positive for the coronavirus and will lead to a gradual shutdown of the site’s Magnox facility, which is scheduled to close permanently later this year.
The UK’s nuclear regulator said it is “actively engaged” with all its nuclear sites to ensure that appropriate contingency plans are in place, given the developing national and international situation.
The Canadian Nuclear Association reported that Canada’s nuclear stations are helping keep hospitals clean and safe during these critical times through the production of cobalt-60. It is a medical isotope used to sterilize medical equipment such as gowns, gloves, masks, implantable devices and syringes in hospitals. It is also used to preserve foods so that they have a long shelf life.
Nuclear Energy Power Plants in the World
Nuclear power plants currently operate in 31 countries. Most are in Europe, North America, East Asia and South Asia. The United States is the largest producer of nuclear power, while France has the largest share of electricity generated by nuclear power. China has the fastest growing nuclear power program with 28 new reactors under construction,and a considerable number of new reactors are also being built in India, Russia and South Korea.
Of the 31 countries in which nuclear energy power plants operate, only France, Slovakia, Ukraine, Belgium, and Hungary use them as the source for a majority of the country’s electricity supply. Other countries have significant amounts of nuclear power generation capacity. By far the largest nuclear electricity producers are the United States with 805 647 GWh of nuclear electricity in 2017, followed by France with 381 846 GWh.
|
Country |
In operation |
Under construction |
|||
|
Number |
Electr. net output MW |
Number |
Electr. net output MW |
||
| Argentina |
3 |
1.632 |
1 |
25 |
|
| Armenia |
1 |
375 |
– |
– |
|
| Belarus |
–
|
–
|
2 |
2.218 |
|
| Belgium |
7 |
5.913 |
– |
– |
|
| Brazil |
2 |
1.884 |
1 |
1.245 |
|
| Bulgaria |
2 |
1.926 |
– |
– |
|
| Canada |
19 |
13.524 |
– |
– |
|
| China |
36 |
31.402 |
20 |
20.500 |
|
| Czech Republic |
6 |
3.930 |
– |
– |
|
| Finland |
4 |
2.752 |
1 |
1.600 |
|
| France |
58 |
63.130 |
1 |
1.630 |
|
| Germany |
8 |
10.799 |
– |
– |
|
| Hungary |
4 |
1.889 |
– |
– |
|
| India |
22 |
6.225 |
5 |
2.990 |
|
| Iran |
1 |
915 |
– |
– |
|
| Japan |
43 |
40.290 |
2 |
2.650 |
|
| Korea, Republic |
25 |
23.133 |
3 |
4.020 |
|
| Mexico |
2 |
1.440 |
– |
– |
|
| Netherlands |
1 |
482 |
– |
– |
|
| Pakistan |
4 |
1.005 |
3 |
2.343 |
|
| Romania |
2 |
1.300 |
– |
– |
|
| Russian Federation |
36 |
26.557 |
7 |
5.468 |
|
| Slovakian Republic |
4 |
1.814 |
2 |
880 |
|
| Slovenia |
1 |
688 |
– |
– |
|
| South Africa |
2 |
1.860 |
– |
– |
|
| Spain |
7 |
7.121 |
– |
– |
|
| Sweden |
10 |
9.651 |
– |
– |
|
| Switzerland |
5 |
3.333 |
– |
– |
|
| Taiwan, China |
6 |
5.052 |
2 |
2.600 |
|
| Ukraine |
15 |
13.107 |
2 |
1.900 |
|
| United Arab Emirates |
– |
– |
4 |
5.380 |
|
| United Kingdom |
15 |
8.918 |
– |
– |
|
| USA |
99 |
98.868 |
4 |
4.468 |
|
| Total |
450 |
391.915 |
60 |
59.917 |
|