NON RENEWABLENON RENEWABLEENERGYENERGY

oiloilnatural gasnatural gas

coalcoalnuclearnuclear

ENERGYENERGYThe ability to move matter around. That The ability to move matter around. That

something which is necessary to maintain something which is necessary to maintain life and a vibrant society.life and a vibrant society.

Law of Conservation of EnergyLaw of Conservation of Energy – – Energy can neither be created nor Energy can neither be created nor destroyeddestroyed. It can be changed from one . It can be changed from one form to another.form to another.

Forms of energyForms of energy

Energy can be in the form of light, heat, Energy can be in the form of light, heat, sound, electricity, motion (sound, electricity, motion (kinetic kinetic energyenergy), or stored as a ), or stored as a potential potential energyenergy..

No energy conversion is 100% efficient No energy conversion is 100% efficient when changed from one form to the next.when changed from one form to the next.

TYPES OF ENERGY TYPES OF ENERGY RESOURCESRESOURCES

About 76% of the commercial energy we About 76% of the commercial energy we use comes from nonrenewable fossil fuels use comes from nonrenewable fossil fuels (oil, natural gas, and coal) with the (oil, natural gas, and coal) with the remainder coming from renewable remainder coming from renewable sources.sources.

Energy Consumption in the United Energy Consumption in the United StatesStates

Sequence of useSequence of use1.1. WoodWood2.2. Water (steam)Water (steam)3.3. CoalCoal4.4. Natural gasNatural gas5.5. OilOil6.6. Nuclear powerNuclear power

3, 4, and 5 = 83.5% of U.S. energy consumption

Energy Consumption in the United Energy Consumption in the United StatesStates

Fig. 16-2, p. 357

Oil and natural gasOil and natural gasFloating oil drilling platform Oil storage CoalCoal

Contour strip miningOil drilling

platform on legs

Geothermal Geothermal energyenergy

Hot water storageOil well

Pipeline Geothermal power plant

Gas well Valves Mined coal

Pump Area strip mining Drilling

tower

Pipeline

Impervious rockUnderground coal mineNatural gasWater

Oil Water is heated and brought up as dry

steam or wet steamWater

Coal seam Hot rockWater

penetrates down through

the rockMagma

TYPES OF ENERGY TYPES OF ENERGY RESOURCESRESOURCES

Commercial energy use by source for the Commercial energy use by source for the world (left) and the U.S. (right).world (left) and the U.S. (right). Figure 16-3Figure 16-3

TYPES OF ENERGY TYPES OF ENERGY RESOURCESRESOURCES

Net energyNet energy is the amount of high-quality is the amount of high-quality usable energy available from a resource usable energy available from a resource after subtracting the energy needed to after subtracting the energy needed to make it available.make it available.

Electrical Power Production: The Electrical Power Production: The BeginningBeginning

Michael Faraday 1831

OILOILCrude oil (petroleum) is a thick liquid Crude oil (petroleum) is a thick liquid

containing hydrocarbons that we extract from containing hydrocarbons that we extract from underground deposits and separate into underground deposits and separate into products such as gasoline, heating oil and products such as gasoline, heating oil and asphalt.asphalt.Only 35-50% can be Only 35-50% can be economicallyeconomically recovered recovered

from a deposit.from a deposit.As prices rise, about 10-25% more can be As prices rise, about 10-25% more can be

recovered from expensive secondary extraction recovered from expensive secondary extraction techniques.techniques.This lowers the net energy yield.This lowers the net energy yield.

OILOILRefining crude oil:Refining crude oil:

Based on boiling Based on boiling points, components points, components are removed at are removed at various layers in a various layers in a giant distillation giant distillation column.column.

The most volatile The most volatile components with components with the lowest boiling the lowest boiling points are removed points are removed at the top.at the top.

Figure 16-5Figure 16-5

““OTHER” ITEMSOTHER” ITEMS chemicals, fertilizer, chemicals, fertilizer,

plastic, synthetic plastic, synthetic fibers, rubber and fibers, rubber and even such everyday even such everyday products such as products such as petroleum jelly, ink, petroleum jelly, ink, crayons, bubble crayons, bubble gum, dishwashing gum, dishwashing liquids and liquids and deodorantdeodorant

LPGsLPGsethane, ethane,

ethylene, ethylene, propane, propane, propylene, propylene, butane, butane, butylenes, butylenes, isobutane isobutane and and isobutyleneisobutylene

Petroleum cokePetroleum cokeThe heaviest productThe heaviest productAlmost pure carbon Almost pure carbon The product that remains after all other The product that remains after all other

hydrocarbons have been removed. hydrocarbons have been removed. Coke with low sulphur content is used as Coke with low sulphur content is used as

fuel for industries and power plants. fuel for industries and power plants. Coke with high sulphur content is used as Coke with high sulphur content is used as

a catalyst in refineriesa catalyst in refineries

OILOIL OPEC (Organization of Petroleum OPEC (Organization of Petroleum

Exporting Countries) has 78% of the Exporting Countries) has 78% of the world’s proven oil reserves and most of the world’s proven oil reserves and most of the world’s unproven reserves.world’s unproven reserves.

After global production peaks and begins a After global production peaks and begins a slow decline, oil prices will rise and could slow decline, oil prices will rise and could threaten the economies of countries that threaten the economies of countries that have not shifted to new energy alternatives.have not shifted to new energy alternatives.

Inflation-corrected cost of total oil Inflation-corrected cost of total oil imported to the U.S. economyimported to the U.S. economy

Gasoline prices in today’s pricesGasoline prices in today’s prices

Case Study: U.S. Oil SuppliesCase Study: U.S. Oil SuppliesThe U.S. – the world’s largest oil user – The U.S. – the world’s largest oil user –

has only 2.9% of the world’s proven oil has only 2.9% of the world’s proven oil reserves.reserves.

U.S oil production peaked in 1974 U.S oil production peaked in 1974 (halfway production point).(halfway production point).

About 60% of U.S oil imports goes through About 60% of U.S oil imports goes through refineries in hurricane-prone regions of the refineries in hurricane-prone regions of the Gulf Coast.Gulf Coast.

How Long Will the Oil Party Last? How Long Will the Oil Party Last?

We have three We have three options:options:Look for more oil.Look for more oil.Use or waste less oil.Use or waste less oil.Use something else.Use something else.

Figure 16-1Figure 16-1

OIL Pros and ConsOIL Pros and Cons

ProsPros High net energy yieldHigh net energy yield Easily transported Easily transported

long distanceslong distances Low land useLow land use

ConsCons Burning oil for Burning oil for

transportation transportation accounts for 43% of accounts for 43% of global COglobal CO22 emissions. emissions.

Subsidized oil Subsidized oil discourages R&D for discourages R&D for new energy sourcesnew energy sources

Oil ShalesOil Shales

Oil shales Oil shales contain a solid contain a solid combustible combustible mixture of mixture of hydrocarbons hydrocarbons called called kerogenkerogen..

Figure 16-9Figure 16-9

Tar sandTar sandA.k.a. oil sand or bituminous sandA.k.a. oil sand or bituminous sandThe sands contain naturally occurring The sands contain naturally occurring

mixtures of sand, clay, water, and a dense mixtures of sand, clay, water, and a dense and extremely viscous form of petroleum and extremely viscous form of petroleum technically referred to as bitumentechnically referred to as bitumen

Large deposits found in Canada and Large deposits found in Canada and Venezuela Venezuela

Heavy oilsHeavy oils

ProsProsLarge potential Large potential

supplysupplyEasily Easily

transportedtransported

ConsCons It takes about 1.8 metric It takes about 1.8 metric

tons of oil sand to produce tons of oil sand to produce one barrel of oil. (One one barrel of oil. (One barrel is approximately barrel is approximately 0.15 ton)0.15 ton)

Large land disruptionLarge land disruption Severe water pollutionSevere water pollution High sulfur contentHigh sulfur content

Keystone PipelineKeystone Pipeline Transport oil from Transport oil from

the Athabasca Oil Sands in the Athabasca Oil Sands in Alberta, Canada to multiple Alberta, Canada to multiple destinations in the United destinations in the United States, which include States, which include refineries in Illinois, an oil refineries in Illinois, an oil distribution hub in Oklahoma, distribution hub in Oklahoma, and proposed connections to and proposed connections to refineries along the Gulf refineries along the Gulf Coast of Texas.Coast of Texas.

Dependence on Foreign OilDependence on Foreign Oil

Video clip

NATURAL GASNATURAL GASNatural gas, consisting mostly of methane, Natural gas, consisting mostly of methane,

is often found above reservoirs of crude is often found above reservoirs of crude oil.oil.When a natural gas-field is tapped, gasses When a natural gas-field is tapped, gasses

are liquefied and removed as liquefied are liquefied and removed as liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).petroleum gas (LPG).

NATURAL GASNATURAL GASRussia and Iran have almost half of the Russia and Iran have almost half of the

world’s reserves of conventional gas, and world’s reserves of conventional gas, and global reserves should last 62-125 years.global reserves should last 62-125 years.

Natural gas is versatile and clean-burning Natural gas is versatile and clean-burning fuel, (produces 30% less COfuel, (produces 30% less CO22 when when burned and releases methane (from leaks) burned and releases methane (from leaks) into the troposphere).into the troposphere).

Methane BreakdownMethane Breakdown

Sources of Natural GasSources of Natural GasNatural gas fieldsNatural gas fieldsAssociated with oil distillationAssociated with oil distillationCoal bedsCoal bedsCoal beds and bubbles of methane Coal beds and bubbles of methane

trapped in ice crystals deep under the trapped in ice crystals deep under the arctic permafrost and beneath deep-ocean arctic permafrost and beneath deep-ocean sediments are unconventional sources of sediments are unconventional sources of natural gas.natural gas.

Fracking SongFracking Song

BiogasBiogasgas produced by the biological breakdown gas produced by the biological breakdown

of organic matter in the absence of of organic matter in the absence of oxygen.oxygen.

Primarily comprised of methane and Primarily comprised of methane and carbon dioxidecarbon dioxide

BiogasBiogasOne cow can produce enough manure in One cow can produce enough manure in

one day to generate three kilowatt hours of one day to generate three kilowatt hours of electricity; only 2.4 kilowatt hours of electricity; only 2.4 kilowatt hours of electricity are needed to power a single electricity are needed to power a single one hundred watt light bulb for one day.one hundred watt light bulb for one day.

Nitrous dioxide and methane (major global Nitrous dioxide and methane (major global warmers) are converted to COwarmers) are converted to CO22 and H and H22..

Harvesting Methane from Cattle?Harvesting Methane from Cattle?

Landfill RecoveryLandfill RecoveryLandfills are the largest source of U.S. Landfills are the largest source of U.S.

anthropogenic methane emissions. anthropogenic methane emissions. Landfill methane is produced when Landfill methane is produced when

organic materials are decomposed by organic materials are decomposed by bacteria under anaerobic conditions.bacteria under anaerobic conditions.

COALCOAL

Coal is a solid fossil fuel that is formed in several Coal is a solid fossil fuel that is formed in several stages as the buried remains of land plants that stages as the buried remains of land plants that lived 300-400 million years ago.lived 300-400 million years ago.

Figure 16-12Figure 16-12

Types of CoalTypes of Coal

LigniteLignite Lowest qualityLowest quality Crumbly Crumbly High moisture High moisture

contentcontent Found in TexasFound in Texas 25-35% carbon25-35% carbon

BituminousBituminous Smooth/shinySmooth/shiny Most abundant Most abundant

coal in the UScoal in the US 2-3 xs the 2-3 xs the

heating value of heating value of lignitelignite

45-86% carbon45-86% carbon

Anthracite Anthracite Highest qualityHighest quality Deep blackDeep black Metallic/glossyMetallic/glossy Found in Found in

PennsylvaniaPennsylvania 86-97% carbon86-97% carbon

U.S. Coal Deposits

Fig. 16-13, p. 369

Waste heat

Coal bunker TurbineCooling tower

transfers waste heat to

atmosphereGenerator

Cooling loop

StackPulverizing mill

Condenser Filter

Boiler

Toxic ash disposalWet Scrubber

COALCOALCoal reserves in the United States, Coal reserves in the United States,

Russia, and China could last hundreds to Russia, and China could last hundreds to over a thousand years.over a thousand years.The U.S. has 27% of the world’s proven coal The U.S. has 27% of the world’s proven coal

reserves, followed by Russia (17%), and reserves, followed by Russia (17%), and China (13%).China (13%).

In 2005, China and the U.S. accounted for In 2005, China and the U.S. accounted for 53% of the global coal consumption.53% of the global coal consumption.

COALCOAL Coal is the most Coal is the most

abundant fossil fuel, abundant fossil fuel, but compared to oil but compared to oil and natural gas it is and natural gas it is not as versatile, has not as versatile, has a high environmental a high environmental impact, and releases impact, and releases much more COmuch more CO22 into into the troposphere.the troposphere.

Figure 16-14Figure 16-14

COALCOALCoal can be converted into synthetic Coal can be converted into synthetic

natural gas (SNG or syngas) and liquid natural gas (SNG or syngas) and liquid fuels (such as methanol or synthetic fuels (such as methanol or synthetic gasoline) that burn cleaner than coal.gasoline) that burn cleaner than coal.Costs are high.Costs are high.Burning them adds more COBurning them adds more CO22 to the to the

troposphere than burning coal.troposphere than burning coal.

COALCOAL

Since Since COCO22 is not is not regulated as an air regulated as an air pollutantpollutant and costs and costs are high, U.S. coal-are high, U.S. coal-burning plants are burning plants are unlikely to invest in unlikely to invest in coal gasification.coal gasification.

Figure 16-15Figure 16-15

Primary and Secondary Effects Primary and Secondary Effects From Burning CoalFrom Burning Coal

Global WarmingGlobal Warming

Acid RainAcid Rain SmogSmog

Burning Coal = CO2 + SO + H2O + Ash +(CxHxSxOx) Light + Noise + Heat

300 Years of Fossil Fuels in 300 seconds300 Years of Fossil Fuels in 300 seconds

Nuclear EnergyNuclear Energy

Shoreham Nuclear Plant on Long Shoreham Nuclear Plant on Long Island, New YorkIsland, New York

Nuclear Share of Electrical Nuclear Share of Electrical PowerPower

NUCLEAR ENERGYNUCLEAR ENERGYWhen isotopes of uranium and plutonium When isotopes of uranium and plutonium

undergo controlled nuclear fission, the undergo controlled nuclear fission, the resulting heat produces steam that spins resulting heat produces steam that spins turbines to generate electricity.turbines to generate electricity.The uranium oxide consists of about 97% The uranium oxide consists of about 97%

nonfissionable uranium-238 and 3% nonfissionable uranium-238 and 3% fissionable uranium-235.fissionable uranium-235.

The concentration of uranium-235 is The concentration of uranium-235 is increased through an enrichment process.increased through an enrichment process.

Two Forms of UraniumTwo Forms of Uranium Isotope: different (mass number) forms of Isotope: different (mass number) forms of

the same elementthe same elementU238 = 92 protons + 146 neutronsU238 = 92 protons + 146 neutronsU235 = 92 protons + 143 neutronsU235 = 92 protons + 143 neutrons

Terms and DefinitionsTerms and DefinitionsFuel rods: rods full of U235 pelletsFuel rods: rods full of U235 pelletsModerator: fluid (water) coolant that slows Moderator: fluid (water) coolant that slows

down neutronsdown neutronsControl rods: moderate rate of the chain Control rods: moderate rate of the chain

reaction by absorbing neutronsreaction by absorbing neutrons

A Nuclear ReactorA Nuclear Reactor

A Nuclear Reactor Is Designed A Nuclear Reactor Is Designed To:To:

Sustain a continuous chain reaction.Sustain a continuous chain reaction.Prevent amplification into a nuclear Prevent amplification into a nuclear

explosion.explosion.Consist of an array of fuel and control Consist of an array of fuel and control

rods.rods.Make some material intensely hot.Make some material intensely hot.

A Nuclear ReactorA Nuclear Reactor

Fig. 16-16, p. 372

Small amounts of radioactive gasesUranium fuel

input (reactor core)

Control rodsContainment shell

Heat exchanger

Steam Turbine Generator

Waste heatElectric power

Hot coolant Useful energy

25%–30%Hot water outputPumpPump

Coolant Pump Pump

ModeratorCool water input

Waste heat

Shielding Pressure vessel

Coolant passage

Water CondenserPeriodic removal and storage of radioactive wastes and spent fuel assemblies

Periodic removal and storage of radioactive liquid wastes

Water source (river, lake, ocean)

Fig. 16-18, p. 373

Decommissioning of reactorFuel assemblies

ReactorEnrichment of UF6 Fuel fabricationFuel fabrication

(conversion of enriched UF(conversion of enriched UF66 to UOto UO22 and fabrication of and fabrication of fuel assemblies)fuel assemblies) Temporary storage of Temporary storage of

spent fuel assemblies spent fuel assemblies underwater or in dry underwater or in dry caskscasks

Conversion of U3O8 to UF6

Uranium-235 as UFUranium-235 as UF66 Plutonium-239 as PuOPlutonium-239 as PuO22

Spent fuel Spent fuel reprocessingreprocessing

Low-level radiation Low-level radiation with long half-lifewith long half-life

Geologic disposal of moderate &

high-level radioactive

wastesOpen fuel cycle today“Closed” end fuel cycle

What Happened to Nuclear What Happened to Nuclear Power?Power?

After more than 50 years of development and After more than 50 years of development and enormous government subsidies, nuclear enormous government subsidies, nuclear power has not lived up to its promise because:power has not lived up to its promise because:Multi billion-dollar construction costs.Multi billion-dollar construction costs.Higher operation costs and more malfunctions Higher operation costs and more malfunctions

than expected.than expected.Poor management.Poor management.Public concerns about safety and stricter Public concerns about safety and stricter

government safety regulations.government safety regulations.

NUCLEAR NUCLEAR ENERGYENERGY

In 1995, the World In 1995, the World Bank said nuclear Bank said nuclear power is too costly power is too costly and risky.and risky.

In 2006, it was found In 2006, it was found that several U.S. that several U.S. reactors were leaking reactors were leaking radioactive tritium into radioactive tritium into groundwater.groundwater.

Figure 16-19Figure 16-19

NUCLEAR ENERGYNUCLEAR ENERGY When a nuclear reactor reaches the end of its When a nuclear reactor reaches the end of its

useful life, its highly radioactive materials must useful life, its highly radioactive materials must be kept from reaching the environment for be kept from reaching the environment for thousands of years.thousands of years.

At least 228 large commercial reactors At least 228 large commercial reactors worldwide (20 in the U.S.) are scheduled for worldwide (20 in the U.S.) are scheduled for retirement by 2012.retirement by 2012.Many reactors are applying to extent their 40-year Many reactors are applying to extent their 40-year

license to 60 years.license to 60 years.Aging reactors are subject to embrittlement and Aging reactors are subject to embrittlement and

corrosion.corrosion.

NUCLEAR ENERGYNUCLEAR ENERGY Building more nuclear power plants will not Building more nuclear power plants will not

lessen dependence on imported oil and will lessen dependence on imported oil and will not reduce COnot reduce CO22 emissions as much as emissions as much as other alternatives.other alternatives.The nuclear fuel cycle contributes to COThe nuclear fuel cycle contributes to CO22

emissions.emissions.Wind turbines, solar cells, geothermal energy, Wind turbines, solar cells, geothermal energy,

and hydrogen contributes much less to COand hydrogen contributes much less to CO22 emissions.emissions.

NUCLEAR ENERGYNUCLEAR ENERGYScientists disagree about the best methods Scientists disagree about the best methods

for long-term storage of high-level radioactive for long-term storage of high-level radioactive waste:waste:Bury it deep underground.Bury it deep underground.Shoot it into space.Shoot it into space.Bury it in the Antarctic ice sheet.Bury it in the Antarctic ice sheet.Bury it in the deep-ocean floor that is geologically Bury it in the deep-ocean floor that is geologically

stable.stable.Change it into harmless or less harmful isotopes.Change it into harmless or less harmful isotopes.

Terms and DefinitionsTerms and DefinitionsRadioactive emissions: subatomic Radioactive emissions: subatomic

particles (neutrons) and high-energy particles (neutrons) and high-energy radiation (alpha, beta, and gamma rays)radiation (alpha, beta, and gamma rays)

Radioactive wastes: materials that Radioactive wastes: materials that become radioactive by absorbing neutrons become radioactive by absorbing neutrons from the fission processfrom the fission process

Radioactive DecayRadioactive DecayHalf life = the time for half the amount of a radioactive isotope to decay.

Half-lifeHalf-lifeMolybdenum-99 (half-life = 2.8 days)Molybdenum-99 (half-life = 2.8 days)Xenon-133 (half-life = 5.3 days)Xenon-133 (half-life = 5.3 days)Krypton-85 (half-life = 10.7 years)Krypton-85 (half-life = 10.7 years)Cesium-137 (half-life = 30.0 years)Cesium-137 (half-life = 30.0 years)Plutonium-239 (half-life = 24,000 years)Plutonium-239 (half-life = 24,000 years)Uranium -235 (half-life = 703,800,000 years)Uranium -235 (half-life = 703,800,000 years)

NUCLEAR ENERGYNUCLEAR ENERGYAfter three or four After three or four

years in a reactor, years in a reactor, spent fuel rods are spent fuel rods are removed and removed and stored in a deep stored in a deep pool of water pool of water contained in a contained in a steel-lined steel-lined concrete container.concrete container.

Figure 16-17Figure 16-17

NUCLEAR ENERGYNUCLEAR ENERGY

After spent fuel rods are cooled considerably, After spent fuel rods are cooled considerably, they are sometimes moved to dry-storage they are sometimes moved to dry-storage containers made of steel or concrete.containers made of steel or concrete.

Figure 16-17Figure 16-17

Disposal of Radioactive Wastes Disposal of Radioactive Wastes (200 Thousand Tons) (200 Thousand Tons)

Finding long-term containment sitesFinding long-term containment sites Transport of highly toxic radioactive wastes Transport of highly toxic radioactive wastes

across the United Statesacross the United States The lack of any resolution to the radioactive The lack of any resolution to the radioactive

waste problemwaste problem Environmental racism Environmental racism (enactment of any policy or (enactment of any policy or

regulation that negatively affects the living conditions of low-income regulation that negatively affects the living conditions of low-income or minority communities at a rate disproportionate from affluent or minority communities at a rate disproportionate from affluent communities)communities)

Cost ($60 billion to 1.5 trillion)Cost ($60 billion to 1.5 trillion)

Disposal of Radioactive WastesDisposal of Radioactive WastesTo be safe, plutonium-239 would require To be safe, plutonium-239 would require

240,000 years (10 half-lives) of 240,000 years (10 half-lives) of containment!containment!

Discuss the implications of this in terms of Discuss the implications of this in terms of disposal of radioactive wastes.disposal of radioactive wastes.

Yucca mountain in southwestern Nevada Yucca mountain in southwestern Nevada = the nation’s nuclear waste repository= the nation’s nuclear waste repository

Yucca Mountain, NevadaYucca Mountain, Nevada

Nuclear Power AccidentsNuclear Power AccidentsThree Mile IslandThree Mile Island

19791979Harrisburg, PAHarrisburg, PALoss of coolant in reactor vesselLoss of coolant in reactor vesselDamage so bad, reactor shut down Damage so bad, reactor shut down

permanentlypermanentlyUnknown amount of radioactive waste Unknown amount of radioactive waste

released into atmosphere.released into atmosphere.

Chernobyl, RussiaChernobyl, Russia

Case Study: The Chernobyl Case Study: The Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant AccidentNuclear Power Plant Accident

The world’s worst nuclear power plant The world’s worst nuclear power plant accident occurred in 1986 in Ukraine.accident occurred in 1986 in Ukraine.

The disaster was caused by poor reactor The disaster was caused by poor reactor design and human error.design and human error.

56 people had died from radiation 56 people had died from radiation released.released.4,000 – 93,000 more are expected from 4,000 – 93,000 more are expected from

cancer and leukemia.cancer and leukemia.

How Chernobyl Blew UpHow Chernobyl Blew Up Loss of water coolant perhaps triggered Loss of water coolant perhaps triggered

the accident. When the water-circulation system the accident. When the water-circulation system failed, the temperature in the reactor core failed, the temperature in the reactor core increased to over 5,000 increased to over 5,000 ooF, causing the uranium F, causing the uranium fuel to begin melting and producing steam that fuel to begin melting and producing steam that reacted with the zirconium alloy cladding of the reacted with the zirconium alloy cladding of the fuel rod to produce hydrogen gas.fuel rod to produce hydrogen gas.

How Chernobyl Blew UpHow Chernobyl Blew Up A second reaction between steam and A second reaction between steam and

graphite produced free hydrogen and carbon graphite produced free hydrogen and carbon oxides. When this gas combined with oxygen, a oxides. When this gas combined with oxygen, a blast blew off the top of the building, igniting the blast blew off the top of the building, igniting the graphite. The burning graphite threw a dense graphite. The burning graphite threw a dense cloud of radioactive fission products into the air.cloud of radioactive fission products into the air.

Consequences of Radiation Consequences of Radiation ExposureExposure

Block cell divisionBlock cell divisionDamage biological tissues and DNADamage biological tissues and DNADeathDeathCancerCancerBirth defectsBirth defects

Economic Problems with Nuclear Economic Problems with Nuclear PowerPower

Energy demand estimates were unrealistic.Energy demand estimates were unrealistic. Costs increase (5X) to comply with new Costs increase (5X) to comply with new

safety standards.safety standards. Withdrawal of government subsidies to Withdrawal of government subsidies to

nuclear industry.nuclear industry. Public protests delayed construction.Public protests delayed construction. Any accident financially ruins the utility. Any accident financially ruins the utility.

Comparing Nuclear Power with Comparing Nuclear Power with Coal PowerCoal Power

NUCLEAR NUCLEAR ENERGYENERGY

A 1,000 A 1,000 megawatt megawatt nuclear plant is nuclear plant is refueled once a refueled once a year, whereas a year, whereas a coal plant coal plant requires 80 rail requires 80 rail cars a day.cars a day.

Figure 16-20Figure 16-20