Nuclear Power in Australia

Paper Summary:

In order to make a judgement of the physics viability of nuclear power as an energy source for Australia, this paper explains how nuclear energy is produced, disposed of, sourced, and maintained in light of Australia's unique environment and population distribution. The paper discusses the efficiency of using nuclear energy as well as Australia's huge availability of uranium and its ample waste storage space. The paper concludes that nuclear energy is definitely a viable method of energy for Australia but recommends that stringent laws and regulations be made to enforce adequate training of nuclear staff to minimise the risk of disasters. The paper includes a diagram of how nuclear power is produced and a map of mining locations in Australia.

From the Paper:

"Nuclear energy is generated by the fission of the uranium 235 isotope. U-235 is the ideal fuel for power generation because it is able to sustain a chain reaction and release energy. Uranium for fuelling nuclear generators is mined in Australia as low-grade ore. Only 0.3% of this ore is pure uranium, and after crushing, chemical treatment and concentration, only 0.7% of this residual is the required U-235 isotope. In order to ensure an induced chain reaction is sustainable, this nuclear fuel needs to be enriched (i.e. concentrated) so that the U-235 concentration is approximately 5%. (Rapkins, Rossiter, Walding, 1999)"

Sample of Sources Used:

• Australia's Role in the Nuclear Fuel Cycle. (1984). Canberra: Australian Government Publishing Service.
• Australian Uranium Association. (2007). Uranium & Nuclear Energy Factsheet. In Uranium Information Centre. Retrieved August 13, 2007 from http://uic.greenbanana.com.au/search.php
• Brain, M. How Nuclear Power Works. (n.d.) In How Stuff Works. Retrieved August 5, 2007, from http://www.science.howstuffworks.com/nuclear-power2.htm
• Government Accused of Secrecy over Nuclear Power Station Plans. (2006.) In ABC News. Retrieved August 10, 2007 from http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2006/06/04/1654803.htm
• Gribbin, J. (2004.) The Second Law of Thermodynamics. In BBC. Retrieved August 11, 2007 from http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/history/inourtime/inourtime_20041216.shtml

More papers on Nuclear Power in Australia:

• Research Paper # 72204 : "Nuclear Power in the Former Soviet Union"
• Persuasive Essay # 141258 : "Nuclear Power and Generation"
• Analytical Essay # 73350 : "Nuclear Power Plants"

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