Атомна електростанція

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Nuclear power station Копіювати

Definition of Nuclear power station

A nuclear power station generates electricity using heat, similar to traditional thermal power stations such as coal or gas-fired power stations. However, unlike them, it does not produce any air pollutants or greenhouse gases. Heat is generated by the splitting of atomic nuclei, which heats water under high pressure, similar to the principle of a pressure cooker. The hot steam turns turbines, which in turn drive a generator that produces electricity, which is transmitted to consumers through the power grid.
As of July 2015, there were 438 nuclear reactors in operation worldwide with a total net capacity of 379 GW. Each year, they generate about 12,000 tonnes of radioactive waste containing elements such as plutonium. Fission products and transuranic elements (in particular plutonium, americium, neptunium) need to be isolated from the biosphere for a long time until they decay. The duration of this period depends on the isotope and can range from several months to thousands of years. For example, the iodine isotope 129I has a half-life of 15.7 million years, and its absorption by the body, especially the thyroid gland, poses a significant risk.
Waste storage can be reduced by using regeneration and transmutation technologies, which still need to be improved. However, these methods also draw criticism due to their high cost and complexity of implementation.

Context of usage for Nuclear power station

1. A nuclear power station generates electricity by harnessing the heat released from nuclear fission reactions within its reactors.
2. Unlike fossil fuel plants, a nuclear power station produces energy without emitting greenhouse gases or air pollutants during operation.
3. The efficiency and high energy output of a nuclear power station make it a key contributor to meeting global electricity demands while reducing carbon emissions.