Excerpt
Few people doubt that we are facing energy problems for which an urgent solution is needed. A successful approach to the solution of any problem must start with a clear definition of that problem. Our energy problems have a number of disturbing aspects.
We have atmospheric pollution due to 50% of our electrical power being produced by burning coal, plus a large contribution from the use of gasoline powered vehicles. Collectively, these polluting sources produce Sulfur and Nitrogen oxides, which are responsible for forming acid rain with consequent damage to property and vegetation together with the premature deaths of thousands of people with bronchial troubles, in the USA alone. Consider also, the medical costs associated with this situation. These polluting sources also emit large amounts of CO2, which contribute to global warming.
Another major concern is our dependence on foreign oil supplies to meet the demand resulting from the extensive use of gasoline-powered transport. The nature and location of these supplies gives rise to political problems and represents a significant drain on our economy.
A major step towards a solution of the overall energy problem would be to replace gasoline driven vehicles with electric battery drive to the greatest extent possible. At the present time, battery driven vehicles can be built to equal the performance of their gasoline counterparts in every way except distance traveled per battery charge. Batteries have been developed, which are greatly superior to the early lead-acid variety but, as yet are expensive and have not been widely used. These batteries require further development to make them more economic. In this regard, government incentives for this development are essential. It is also vital to note, that while battery driven vehicles benefit the oil dependency problem, the full potential benefit of such use can only be realized if the charging of these batteries is provided from a non-polluting energy source.
This brings us to the crux of the energy problem; providing a non-polluting source of electrical power, which can meet all the present and future increased domestic and industrial energy requirements, plus vehicle battery charging. Many non-polluting or green energy sources are currently being explored. Notably, solar and wind are finding application, while others such as tidal, biomass, geothermal and hydroelectric are of interest. The Pros of these sources are usually presented but not the Cons. Both aspects are addressed in this book and, the conclusion is reached that most of them require considerable development to prove their viability, particularly as they are unable to meet our energy needs on the required scale. Also, while seen as green energy sources, when examined in detail, they are not without significant environmental concerns. Where these sources of energy can be used without serious environmental impact, they support the overall solution of the energy problem. However, it must be recognized that if applied extensively, they would require backup from coal-fired plants when power is required at all times. For example, no Sun or Wind means no power.
The case is made that the only non-polluting energy source capable of replacing coal-fired power plants is nuclear energy. For many years, public opinion of nuclear energy has been adversely influenced by unfounded propaganda and false information, supported by a news media always seeking sensationalism rather than presenting the simple facts. We would do well to think of the devastation caused to the nation, which has resulted from this distorted opinion, leading to the building of so many coal-fired power plants. In this book we examine the principal factual distortions touted by the anti-nuclear advocates and, present the real facts as they apply. As a result, it is hoped that the public will have a more level playing field from which to make a properly informed judgment of the situation, which can ultimately lead to a healthy and economic solution of the energy problem. Nuclear plants emit no pollutants and present no threat to public health and safety. It is noteworthy, that over one hundred nuclear power plants have been in operation in the USA for the last thirty years without incident.
Some simple facts must be faced. Only the burning of coal or the use of nuclear power can offer energy sources capable of meeting the total energy requirements of industry and the domestic front in a reliable fashion. Add to this the potential of future electric vehicles and population increase, and the situation becomes ever more obvious. We need either one or other of these energy sources. By their efforts in impeding the development of nuclear power, the anti-nuclear advocates have forced the building of more coal-fired plants, with the resulting devastation caused to society as described in the book.
The Pros and Cons of the many proposed energy sources are examined, in order to justify why nuclear energy is the only fully developed technology existing, with the capability of replacing coal-fired plants and solving the overall energy problem. In further support of nuclear energy, such issues as Three Mile Island, Chernobyl and Nuclear Waste Disposal are addressed in a scientifically accurate manner, to counter the unfounded statements often presented by the anti-nuclear advocates. It is clearly shown why these issues have no adverse relevance to nuclear power as it is employed in the USA.
For the benefit of those interested, Chapter 3 provides a brief description of the mechanism involved in the basic function of the types of nuclear reactor employed in the USA. It is hoped that this description may assist in a better understanding of some of the other material presented in the book.
Also provided is description of the safety process followed in constructing a nuclear power plant and bringing it into service. Details of the latest nuclear power plant designs likely to be built in the USA are also presented.
Clear thinking is needed if we are to solve the energy problem with which we are faced. We should contrast the real damage resulting from our present energy policy with what can be achieved by the use of an already fully developed, clean nuclear program.
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