Market Outlook
also be repeatedly opened and closed to see whether it can withstand the expected number of cycles during the forecast lifetime of the plant . Supplier websites indicate that a wide range of valves are used throughout a typical nuclear power plant , including the primary circuit ( often termed the ‘ nuclear island ’). These include quarter-turn designs ( ball , butterfly , plug ), multi-turn ( gate , globe ), check , choke , control and pressure-relief valves . These sources also indicate that some 13,000 valves may be required in a modern nuclear powerplant , with 1,500 located in the primary circuit .
Advantages of nuclear energy
1 One of the most low-carbon energy sources - Most of the CO2 emissions associated with nuclear power stations happen during construction and fuel processing , not when electricity is being generated .
2 It also has one of the smallest land footprints - Despite producing massive amounts of carbon-free power , nuclear energy produces more electricity on less land than any other clean-air source .
3 It ’ s one of the answers to the energy gap - Nuclear energy isn ’ t only lowcarbon , it ’ s also reliable when compared to other low-carbon options . So , when the sun doesn ’ t shine or the wind doesn ’ t blow , nuclear takes over keeping the lights on around the world .
4 Nuclear energy is cost-effective - Although nuclear power stations take considerable investment to build , they have low running costs and longevity . This means they are particularly cost-effective .
5 Uranium is widely available – Uranium , the raw material used to create fuel for nuclear reactors , comes from stable regions around the world and is widely available . This dependability means nuclear power is a long-term and low-carbon option . To put things in perspective , the world ’ s present measured resources of uranium ( 6.1 Mt ) are enough to last for about 90 years . This represents a higher level of assured resources than is normal for most minerals .
Scope of nuclear energy in India
In March 1944 , Homi Jehangir Bhabha , the architect of the Indian Atomic Energy programme , and the father of nuclear research in India stated that , “ When nuclear energy has been successfully applied for power production in , say , a couple of decades from now , India will not have to look abroad for its experts but will find them ready at hand .” Today , India is the fourth largest energy consumer in the world , behind only the US , China , and Russia . While the foundation for a solid nuclear power plan was laid in India in the 1940s , the country still heavily relies on fossil fuels for electricity generation . Only 3 % of India ’ s ever-growing energy needs are met by employing nuclear power . The Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited ( NPCIL ), wholly owned by the Government of India , is responsible for design , construction , commissioning , and operation of nuclear power reactors . NPCIL is presently operating 22 commercial nuclear
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