ENVIRONMENT
the
power of
nuclear
What is the future for sustainable
energy and economic growth?
A
room full of people. Awkward silence.
Polite smiles. Someone decides to say:
“Have you heard the latest developments
in nuclear energy?” Suddenly the crowd
explodes with excitement – is this the
right reaction?
For many of us, the words “nuclear energy” have
become a source of nightmares. Nonetheless, since
the 2014 State of the Nation address, the energy
debate has become relevant to all South Africans –
especially now with the energy crisis crippling our
economy.
Relating to what the previous Minister of Energy,
Dipuo Peters, had to say, “countries that have a
successful nuclear program have a high percentage
of citizens who understand what nuclear energy
is.” And the reality of the matter is most advocates
and naysayers don’t actually have the knowledge to
back up opinions.
What is nuclear power?
Nuclear power reactors are responsible for nuclear
chain reactions. They’re fueled by uranium and
IMBO/ ISSUE 31/ '14
used for electricity generation as well as powering
the engines of military ships and submarines.
Uranium is the abundant metal which undergoes a
process of division called nuclear fission. Because
this process generates heat, carbon dioxide and
water are used as coolants to cause the necessary
steam for rotating turbines – which in turn drive
generators.
The relationship between nuclear power and
nuclear weapons.
Once reactions have taken place and energy
is created, what remains is highly radioactive.
Plutonium may be found in the spent fuel and is
the same fuel that is used for nuclear weapons.
However, the Plutonium that is found in these
reactors is highly unlikely to aid in the creation of
nuclear weapons.
Extracting Plutonium from residual fuel requires the
most expensive and advanced technologies. Of the
countries that do not already have nuclear weapons,
very few have the necessary infrastructure.
38