¿Qué es la energía nuclear? | #ABC

Summary

This video script explores the fundamentals of nuclear energy, focusing on uranium fission and its application in power generation. It discusses the process of enriching uranium, the various uses of nuclear technology in fields like medicine and desalination, and debunks common myths surrounding nuclear energy. The script also touches on the safety of modern reactors, the potential for Colombia to adopt nuclear energy for energy security, and ongoing efforts in education and policy development. Ultimately, it emphasizes the growing relevance of nuclear energy as a clean, sustainable energy source for the future.

Takeaways

• 😀 Nuclear energy works by breaking apart heavy uranium nuclei (Uranium-235) when they are hit by neutrons, releasing heat, which is transferred to water, turning turbines to generate electricity.
• 😀 Uranium in its natural state contains only 0.7% Uranium-235, while the rest is made up of other isotopes like Uranium-238. Enriching uranium increases the percentage of Uranium-235, which is crucial for nuclear power generation.
• 😀 For conventional nuclear plants, uranium needs only to be enriched to about 3-4% Uranium-235, much lower than the 90% needed for nuclear weapons.
• 😀 Nuclear energy has multiple potential uses, such as producing hydrogen, district heating for industrial processes, and desalination of seawater for human consumption.
• 😀 The nuclear industry is working towards replacing coal with nuclear power to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, a trend known as 'Coal to Nuclear'.
• 😀 Nuclear technology is not just for power generation but is also used in medical, geological, and hydrological fields, with high recycling rates of nuclear fuel (96% is recycled).
• 😀 A key misconception is that nuclear waste is a huge volume problem. In reality, all the nuclear waste from the U.S. since the 1940s would fit in a football field.
• 😀 Nuclear power does not produce greenhouse gases and is considered clean energy. The radiation from nuclear reactors is well-contained, and the surrounding environment is not affected by it.
• 😀 The technology behind nuclear power has improved significantly since the 1960s. Accidents like Chernobyl are outdated examples and nuclear safety measures are far more advanced today.
• 😀 Nuclear energy is a reliable and stable source of power that can support energy security, especially in regions with variable energy sources like solar or hydroelectric power.
• 😀 In Colombia, nuclear energy is being promoted through a new law (the 'Nuclear Law') to organize the industry, with plans to train professionals in nuclear energy and build a future workforce for the sector.

Q & A

What is the fundamental principle behind nuclear energy?

Nuclear energy is based on the process of nuclear fission, where the heavy nucleus of uranium 235 is split by a neutron, releasing heat. This heat is transferred to water, which then powers a turbine to generate electricity.

How is uranium 235 obtained and used in nuclear power plants?

Uranium naturally contains a small amount of uranium 235, approximately 0.7%. To use it in nuclear reactors, uranium is enriched using centrifuges to increase the proportion of uranium 235. For conventional nuclear plants, this enrichment is typically between 3-4%. Higher enrichment is needed for nuclear weapons.

What are the new applications of nuclear energy being explored?

Nuclear energy is being explored for several new applications, including producing 'green' hydrogen, district heating, desalination of seawater, and replacing coal-fired power plants to reduce carbon emissions (a process known as 'Cold to Nuclear').

How do nuclear plants manage radioactive emissions?

Nuclear plants contain radiation within the reactor core. The radiation does not escape into the environment, and what is released is steam or water that is not radioactive. Surrounding areas do not experience elevated radiation levels.

What is the misconception about nuclear waste and its danger?

Contrary to popular belief, nuclear waste is not a volumetric problem. The total amount of nuclear waste in the U.S. since the 1940s would fit in a football field. Additionally, nuclear waste cannot explode; it is not an explosive hazard.

What happens to spent nuclear fuel?

Spent nuclear fuel is mostly recycled, with about 95-96% of the fuel being repurposed for other applications. Only around 4% is permanently stored in geological repositories.

Is there a risk of nuclear energy contributing to nuclear weapons proliferation?

No, nuclear power plants require low-enriched uranium (3-4%) to generate energy, which is far below the enrichment levels needed for weapons (90%). Uranium is tightly regulated, and the risk of it being used for weapons is minimal.

Why is there a concern about running out of uranium?

Unlike fossil fuels, uranium is widely distributed around the world and is not confined to a few specific regions. The global supply of uranium is abundant, with countries like Colombia having their own reserves.

How efficient is nuclear energy compared to other energy sources?

Nuclear energy is highly efficient. A small pellet of uranium, about the size of a fingertip, contains as much energy as a ton of coal. This high energy density allows for a smaller environmental footprint and less resource usage.

Is nuclear energy too expensive for developing countries like Colombia?

Although the initial setup cost for nuclear power plants is high, the operational costs are relatively low. With newer technologies, such as small modular reactors (SMRs), the cost of nuclear energy is becoming more competitive, even for developing countries like Colombia.