Australia Should Pursue Nuclear Power Plant Development - Term Paper Example

Australia Should Pursue Nuclear Power Plant Development Name Course title Date Abstract The report analyses the nuclear energy development in the different aspects. It shows how nuclear power has contributed significantly in the development and growth of the current society. Most countries in the world today are turning to the nuclear power production as a sustainable option that has more benefits than the fossil and carbon fuels. Moreover, it looks into factors and issues surrounding the nuclear energy production as well as its growth and development. Furthermore, it analyses the competitive advantage Australia has over other countries in the world. Finally, future prospects of the nuclear energy are analysed in additional to discussing why Australia should be involved in development of nuclear power plants. Keywords: Nuclear power, sustainable, viable, benefits, issues, implementation and development 1.0 Introduction In the quest of tracing the root of the nuclear power, it worth noting that it has taken efforts of over four decades to develop it with a main of transforming the world and solving power problems. Nuclear power, also referred as nuclear energy, is the utilization of exothermic nuclear processes with an aim of generating electricity and heat. The production of nuclear energy involves nuclear fission, fusion, and decay of the actinide elements for production of heat that is then transformed into energy (Walker, 2004). The increased need and demand for energy in form of heat and electricity power triggered the production of nuclear power to boost power form hydroelectric supply. Latest statistics have shown that by the end of 2012, Nuclear energy power stations contributed 5.7% of the global energy in additional to 13% of the global electricity. According to International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reports, there exist 437 nuclear power reactors in 31 countries although not all of the stations produce electric power (Weart, 2012). Scientists and researchers have claimed that nuclear energy is an option that will support sustainable development in the global undertakings since it utilizes available resources as well as increased technological growth. Fossil-based energy sources have had adverse effects to the current world thus receiving discrimination in the global platform. Therefore, this has resulted to more attention being directed to the nuclear energy where many countries have embraced nuclear power as a source of their energy (Herbst & Hopley, 2007). This paper seeks to analyse why Australia should be involved in development of nuclear power plants. 2.0 Material and methods  2.1 Nuclear power implementation Any nation that desires to grow sustainably invests in power development because energy influences most sectors that contribute significantly to economic growth. Among countries that support nuclear programs in the world, thirteen of them depend on nuclear power for approximately 25% of their electrification (Cooke, 2009). Table 1 shows countries in support of the nuclear energy programs in the world. Most of the other countries have plants being constructed while others have expressed interests to invest in nuclear power in the near future. Some of the emerging strong economies like India and China have invested and utilized the nuclear power to support the demand that arises due to increased consumption of electricity. Therefore, for Australia to continue with its sustainable growth it needs to venture into nuclear energy production to solve existing power problems and sustain its population with affordable energy (Cravens, 2007). 2.2 A nuclear energy production case study Sovacool (2010) states that Brazil is a perfect example of countries that support nuclear power production and it has two plants, Angra 1 and Angra 2. These plants produce approximately 1800 kilowatts. Their development has been supported by investments from German investors. In 2006, the country expressed its desire to construct more plants that would produce more than 1000 kilowatts. This supports their plans for efficient national energy provision. Brazil has a target plan to produce 4-8 gig watts by 2030 so that it can afford to grow its economy sustainably in addition to addressing the arising climatic concerns. Brazil is a member of the BRIC countries whose economies are being watched by the international community. Other countries that support nuclear power production and have invested significantly are China, Sweden, United Kingdom, Poland, Germany, South Korea, and South Africa. Therefore, for Australia to improve their power supply as well as address climatic concerns in the future it needs to invest in nuclear power because it is affordable and sustainable. Moreover, Australia is among countries that support nuclear power production. 2.3 Factors and issues related to nuclear energy From as early as 1950, the idea of electricity production using nuclear processes started being considered by energy sectors in great economies like United Kingdom, United States, USSR and France. Intensive researches were funded so that affordable and inexhaustible source of electricity could be established. This was to benefit humanity by reducing power cost as well as improving the living standards. Therefore, in 1979 when the oil prices shoot up, it boosted the plans and development of nuclear energy programs. More resources were directed towards the nuclear programs in several countries (Whitfield, Rosa, Dan, & Dietz, 2009). The consequences of rising oil prices saw production costs increase resulting to price increase in almost all commodities. Hence, this slowed down industrial development as well as economic growth globally. In addition, more concerns were being raised over the safety of nuclear energy production and stringent measures were enforced to regulate its production. Other factors such as political issues, financial constraints, public acceptance, and reduced demand for electricity also affected the implementation of the nuclear programs (Topcu, 2008). However, this did not deter the nuclear specialists rather it gave them the morale to be more innovative in finding solutions to power problems. 2.4 Development and growth of nuclear energy sector Shrader-Frechette (2011) alleges that, more sophisticated designs, strategies, improvements, and development of nuclear plants that upheld safety and sustainability were established. Furthermore, cooperation among governments to improve the development of nuclear programs has increased as well as contributions of technological growth have seen the nuclear processes being considered viable source of power. Currently, more organizations dealing with nuclear power production have been established such as NEA/OECD (Nuclear Energy Agency of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development), Operational Safety Review Teams, International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) and World Health Organization (WHO). These organizations have helped to streamline the nuclear programs in various countries. Likewise, IAEAs have adopted Basic Safety Standards (BSS) and Nuclear Safety Standards (NUSS) to provide guidelines for safe implementation of nuclear programs in addition to advising interested countries on the way forward. Collaborations between these organizations and ANSTO (Australian Nuclear Science & Technology Organisation) would create support to Australian nuclear programs (Taebi & Kloosterman, 2008). Therefore, with these nuclear programs being put in place to deal with issues concerning nuclear energy, it can be concluded that it is safe for establishment of nuclear firms in Australia. 2.5 Nuclear energy Vs. Carbon based fuels Furthermore, environmental concern for any energy production plant is a significant factor to be considered. For a long period, the fossil-based energy plants have had adverse effects on the environment through pollution. Therefore, fossil based energy sources have been discredited as sustainable sources and many environmental problems have been associated with them such as air pollution, water pollution, degradation of soil composure, as well as major health problems. Studies and research have shown that nuclear technologies have the capability to improve infrastructure, prevent health problems, offer steady electricity provision, and provide solution to clean water and managed sewerage systems. Nuclear wastes are less harmful compared to carbon wastes and their disposal can be done in a safe and secure manner with insignificant effects to the environment. Likewise, small amounts of uranium fuel can be used for generation of large amount of energy as compared to carbon fuel. Since uranium fuel has no other major uses, its utilization in energy production is a viable undertaking that will help reduce overreliance on carbon fuels (Sjoberg, & Drottz-Sjoberg, 2001). Moreover, it helps slowdown the exploitation of fossil resources that can be used to cater for energy needs in future developments. This could result to fossil resources being used minimally for home and personal purposes while companies and industries utilizing the affordable nuclear power. Figure 2 shows the affordability of nuclear energy. Additionally, it reduces environmental pollution, reduces cost of production, and improves the standards of living. Australia investing in nuclear power plants would see them tap these benefits for sustainable economic growth and development. Since Australia has vast uranium deposits, approximately 40% of global deposits, it supports implementation of the nuclear plants, triggering economic advancement in all sectors. Figure 1 shows uranium mines in Australia (Quigley, Sanchez, Handy, Goble, & George, 2000). 2.6 Competitive advantage of Australia in nuclear plans Furthermore, Australia is the major uranium exporter with exports worth 520 million dollars being sold to major economic giants such as United States, Asia, and European countries by 2012. Statistics show that economic growth and development of the countries such as India, China, Japan, Taiwan, and South Korea to be doing well. Their power supply is supported by the nuclear energy and it assists in running industrial operations at low cost resulting to their products having relatively low prices. Hence, they dominate the market share contributing to more advancement of their economies (Ramana, 2009). Likewise, if Australia can join these countries in implementing nuclear power plants, they can benefit more than these economies because they are the core source of nuclear resources. The fact that Australia has been involved in exploitation of nuclear resources for a long period proves that their nuclear technology is advanced than in most countries (Sevior, 2006). Hence, implementation and establishment of a nuclear plant could be undertaken at minimal costs and could be a viable project. 2.7 Future prospects of nuclear power Sovacool (2011) notes that according to future projections and statistics from different studies, it is clear that demand for electricity will be higher due to increased development. Therefore, investing in nuclear energy is a viable project that can reap benefits to both individuals and economies. Future predictions have shown that the overall cost of implementing nuclear energy strategies is lower than depending on carbon-based energy. Likewise, the contributions to sustainable environment for the nuclear energy production is projected to be positive than when using carbon and coal fuels. Contributions towards safety and security concerns towards nuclear power has improved the energy sector and improved the resources allocated to dealing with power issues. The occurrence of Three Mile Island and Chernobyl reactor accidents helped devise more safe and secure strategies towards dealing with nuclear power plants. Furthermore, the growth of technology will help attain some of the nuclear energy goals such as improved electricity production, devising ways to dispose nuclear waste that has radioactive elements as well as reduce the negative effects associated with it production (Weart, 2012). More so, the strategies to reduce the reliance of carbon fuels to achieve international health and environmental goals to carbon dioxide-free environment boost implementation of nuclear power plants. The predicted high price for the degradation of environments and global warming poses risks to abolishment of carbon based fuels. Therefore, these factors make nuclear power a competitive, secure, and safer option for electricity production. Future predictions of affordable electricity suggest improved standards of living due to low production costs that translate to reduced commodity prices. Figure 3 shows future projects for energy demand and generation. This gives hope to sustained survival of individuals and economies (Lutz, Schneider, & Thomas, 2009). Thus, implementing nuclear power plant in Australia will reap more benefits in future than carbon based fuels could have. 3.0 Results and Discussion From the research conducted, it is clear that Australia can effectively implement construction and development of nuclear power stations. The project is viable and worthy because they already have resources required for its implementation. The sustainability of nuclear energy gives it an upper hand over the fossil fuel energy and helps promote environmental health that is vital for environmental conservation. Since Australia is among nations supporting nuclear power production by mining and exporting uranium, it has few hindrances in implementing the nuclear power plants. Analyzing development in the countries that have operational nuclear plants shows that, nuclear energy has helped to boost economic growth and helped dominate international markets with affordable goods and products. Therefore, it is advisable for Australia to consider implementing nuclear power plants and enjoy its benefits like these countries. Support and significant contributions by IAEA and other organizations dealing with nuclear related activities has helped to face the challenges and factors affecting the nuclear power sector. Hence, issues related to implementing and developing nuclear plants have been tackled and discussed in greater lengths and effectively. Australia can utilize the resources and strategies devised by these bodies to implement nuclear plants that will be modernized and highly productive than the existing ones. Moreover, the combination of technology growth and availability of nuclear resources in Australia gives it a competitive advantage in the nuclear power market. This will help produce electricity that is affordable and steady to its citizens as well as support extensive development in its industrial sector. Finally, nuclear energy contributions towards environmental conservation are significant as well as its future prospects make it a viable project that is sustainable with reduced negative effects than the fossil fuels. Therefore, the findings support establishment of nuclear plants in Australia. 4.0 Conclusion Therefore, it can be concluded that although some individuals discredit nuclear power, its contributions towards society growth is significant. Sustainability is a key factor to energy production and nuclear power achieves it, giving it a competitive edge over the rest sources of energy. The arising high demand for electricity in the world requires more options to be evaluated to boost the hydropower production and fossil fuel energy. This makes nuclear energy a viable option. In additional, contributions of nuclear energy towards development of economies have attracted many stakeholders in the energy sector to implement nuclear power plants. Furthermore, the future of the world lies on the cost of power since it determines the production-consumption process. Nuclear energy has the capability of producing affordable energy that will improve living standards around the world. Therefore, Australia should implement nuclear power plants to reap these benefits. References Cooke, Stephanie (2009). In Mortal Hands: A Cautionary History of the Nuclear Age, Black Inc. Cravens, Gwyneth (2007). Power to Save the World: the Truth about Nuclear Energy. New York: Knopf, ISBN 0-307-26656-7. Herbst, A. M. & Hopley, G. W. (2007). Nuclear Energy Now: Why the Time has come for the World's Most Misunderstood Energy Source, New York: Wiley & Sons. Lutz, M., Schneider, M. & Thomas, S. (2009). International Perspectives of Energy Policy and the Role of Nuclear Power, Multi-Science Publishing Co. Ltd, p. 279. Quigley, D., Sanchez, V, Handy, D. Goble, R. & George, P. (2000). Participatory Research Strategies in Nuclear Risk Management for Native Communities. Journal of Health Communication: International Perspectives 5(4):305-31. Ramana, M.V. (2009) Nuclear Power: Economic, Safety, Health, and Environmental Issues of Near-Term Technologies, Annual Review of Environment and Resources, 34, pp. 144-145. Sevior M. (2006). "Considerations for nuclear power in Australia" (PDF). International Journal of Environmental Studies 63 (6): 859–872. doi:10.1080/00207230601047255 Shrader-Frechette, K. (2011) Climate Change, Nuclear Economics, and Conflicts of Interest. Science and Engineering Ethics 17(1), pp. 75-107. Sjoberg, L. & Drottz-Sjoberg, B.M.. (2001). Fairness, Risk and Risk Tolerance in the Siting Of Nuclear Waste Repository. Journal of Risk Research 4 (1), pp.75-101. Sovacool, B. K. (2010) A Critical Evaluation of Nuclear Power and Renewable Electricity in Asia, Journal of Contemporary Asia, 40(3), p. 381. Sovacool, Benjamin K. (2011). Contesting the Future of Nuclear Power: A Critical Global Assessment of Atomic Energy, World Scientific, p. 118-119. Taebi, B. & Kloosterman, J. (2008). To Recycle or Not to Recycle? An Intergenerational Approach to Nuclear Fuel Cycles. Science and Engineering Ethics 14(2), pp.177-200. Topcu, S. (2008). Confronting Nuclear Risks: Counter-Expertise as Politics within the French Nuclear Energy Debate. Nature and Culture 3(2), pp.225-45. Walker, J. Samuel (2004). Three Mile Island: A Nuclear Crisis in Historical Perspective, Berkeley: University of California Press. Weart, Spencer R. (2012) The Rise of Nuclear Fear. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, ISBN 0-674-05233-1 Whitfield, S. C., Rosa, E. A., Dan, A. & Dietz, T. (2009). The Future of Nuclear Power: Value Orientations and Risk Perception. Risk Analysis. 29(3), pp. 425-437. Appendices Table 1 Figure 1 Showing Australian major uranium mining sites Figure 2 Showing future comparison of Fossil-based energy and Nuclear energy Figure 3 Showing past, current and future energy demand and generation. Read More