NUCLEAR POWER

STATIONS
By Jordan Atherton
 How a reactor works
 Nuclear power plants depend on atomic energy generated
during Nuclear Fission.
 When atoms split they split into smaller atoms, they also
give off energy when this happens.
 This energy if used correctly can be harnessed and used
as a power source.
 The nuclear power producing particles can either be fused
in fusion (joined together) or broke apart in fission.
 What is Nuclear Fission ?
 Nuclear Fission is a nuclear reaction in
which the nucleus of an atom is split /
broke apart leaving behind smaller
parts.
 When the atom is split it also releases
nuclear energy (also known as atomic
energy).
 Some elements, when subjected to
nuclear fission, produce substantial
amounts of energy which we then can
use as power.
 Uranium and Plutonium are the most
Nuclear power stations in the
UK
 Nuclear power stations in the UK generate
approximately one 5th of the energy we use.
 There are currently 9 active Nuclear power
station locations in the UK at the moment, but
more are due to be built as the potential for
nuclear power generation is worth exploring.
 The Nine active Nuclear power stations are :
- Hunterston - Sizewell
- Torness - Berkeley
- Hartlepool - Hinkley
- Heysham - Dungeness
- Wylfa
 Should we use Nuclear Power?
Advantages –
-They are efficient, they don’t waste as much of the power generated as other t types of power
stations do.
-They are reliable, there is no need to worry about any interruptions in the power generation as it is
constant.
- They are clean, nuclear power generation makes no Co2, the only carbon released is when the
uranium / plutonium is transported.
-They are accessible, it is easier to get too and mine the uranium and plutonium, fossil fuels such as
coal and oil are hard to get.

Disadvantages –
- They produce nuclear waste which is highly dangerous, this must be contained and stored and it
takes decades for this to decay.
- Some reactors actually produce plutonium which could be used in nuclear weapons.
- The risk of a nuclear power station blowing up is practically zero, but they could be targets for
terrorists and if they blew up, they would cause devastation.
- Nuclear power stations are expensive to develop, there are also costs involved in keeping it safe
and containing the fuel, but when they are running the cost is quite low.