The simmering potential of nuclear power in India ’ s energy mix
At the Sydney Energy Forum , co-hosted by Australia and the International Energy Agency , Raj Kumar Singh , Indian
Minister of Power and Minister of
New and Renewable Energy , enounced that the current global energy crisis is likely to go on for some time due to the “ cartelisation ” of the fossil fuel industry . There is a need for new energy sources , and nuclear energy seems to be a worthy contender .
By Tanya Rudra , Valve World
Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant ( KKNPP ) Units 1 and 2 at Kudankulam in Tirunelveli district of Tamil Nadu , India . Image courtesy Reetesh Chaurasia , Wikimedia Commons ( Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International license ).
According to the World Nuclear Association , despite the strong support for , and growth in electricity sources with low carbon footprint , in the recent years , the fossil fuel contribution to power generation has not changed significantly in the last 15 years or so . In 2019 , 63 % of the world ’ s electricity was generated from the burning of fossil fuels . Interestingly , nuclear energy is the second largest source of low-carbon electricity in the world behind hydropower but its potential remains largely under-utilized .
Zero emission energy source
In a nuclear power plant , power in the form of electricity can be created thanks to a process called fission . In layman ’ s terms , fission re- fers to the splitting of uranium atoms . This process releases heat . In turn , that heat is used to create steam that spins a turbine to generate electricity . This is achieved without the harmful byproducts emitted by fossil fuels . Nuclear power is therefore classified as a zero-emission clean energy source .
Valves used in nuclear applications
Successful operation of a nuclear power station demands the highest standards of safety and reliability . These requirements are also expected of the valves and actuators used . Valves and actuators therefore undergo a rigorous testing and certification programme . This can involve a simulated life test , involving exposure to seismic , environmental , and mechanical aging . The valve can π www . valve-world . net Valve World November 2022
89