With the ability to deliver safe, reliable energy with zero carbon emissions, nuclear energy is increasingly seen as a solution for drastically reducing our greenhouse gas footprint and mitigating global warming.
From the general public to governments throughout the world, the advantages of nuclear energy are becoming more apparent in the transition to clean energy.
The primary advantages of nuclear energy include:
Clean
Safe
Reliable
Affordable
Overview of Nuclear Energy and How It Works
Nuclear energy is a clean and efficient way to produce energy and generate electricity without producing greenhouse gas emissions.
Fuel made of uranium is placed in a reactor and generates heat through nuclear fission. This heat is then used to create steam, which can be used for high-temperature industrial processes or to power turbines to generate electricity.
Nuclear energy remains a significant player in the global energy market, with improvements to ensure its safety, particularly through the use of advanced nuclear technology.
The Benefits of Nuclear Energy
1. Clean
Climate change is one of the biggest challenges facing our world today, which has escalated the need for a clean energy transition.
One option that is increasingly gaining traction is nuclear energy, is a viable energy source and has the potential to play a critical role in mitigating global greenhouse gas emissions.
Advanced nuclear energy is an environmentally friendly option given its ability to conserve water. Unlike conventional power plants, advanced nuclear power plants like the Xe-100 use far less water since they do not need additional water to cool the reactor.
This is beneficial in areas that are prone to droughts or water scarcity, relieving the pressure on water supplies.
Moreover, nuclear power plants contribute to significantly less air pollution. They don't produce the emissions that are hazardous to both human health and the environment.
2. Safe
Nuclear power plants are subject to some of the most stringent safety regulations of any industrial sector. These regulations cover every aspect of plant operation, from design and construction to maintenance and decommissioning.
In addition, advanced nuclear power facilities are equipped with state-of-the-art safety technologies meant to prevent accidents and minimize their impact if they occur.
These safety measures include emergency cooling systems, backup power sources, and other safeguards designed to protect both the nuclear reactor and the surrounding area in the event of an accident.
Advanced SMRs also have lower reactor power density and a self-regulating core design. This means that the core is designed to shut down if cooling stops and is intended to prevent the reactor from melting under foreseeable adverse conditions without action by the operator.
Because of this, the emergency planning zone for advanced SMRs can be at the site boundary, allowing the technology to be located closer to population centers and industrial facilities that require process heat.
Safety is also a top priority in the nuclear industry, and ongoing research and development are focused on improving safety even further. This includes research into new reactor designs, safety systems, and accident mitigation strategies.
3. Reliable
While renewable energy sources such as wind and solar have increased and will continue to become a greater share of the global energy supply, they are constrained by their inability to provide consistent base-load electricity power due to their intermittency.
Advanced small modular reactors, on the other hand, have load-following capabilities and are designed to ramp up or ramp down based on customer needs.
Nuclear energy is one of the most reliable and consistent sources of energy, as stated by the United States Department of Energy.
Rising energy consumption and the increased focus on decarbonization create a significant requirement for nuclear energy's carbon-free, always-on generation.
Nuclear power facilities can run continuously for long periods of time without needing frequent maintenance or refueling.
As a result, they can consistently supply electrical grids with uninterruptible electricity. Because of this, grid managers can plan and manage the supply of electricity more effectively.
4. Affordable
Nuclear energy is a cost-effective alternative to traditional sources of power and offers a reliable source of electricity.
Advanced small modular reactors are largely factory built and road-shippable, which reduces on-site work and results in better cost predictability and more efficient quality control.
Conventional large-scale nuclear facilities, however, have high upfront capital costs due to their large size, substantial containment structures, and longer construction times.
The cost of nuclear fuel, which is primarily based on uranium, is also relatively low compared to other fossil fuels and natural gas. This means that the cost of fuel makes up a relatively small portion of the total cost of generating electricity at a nuclear power plant.
Nuclear power plants also have operational lifetimes up to 60 years, resulting in a relatively low cost per kilowatt-hour of electricity produced.
Due to their extended lifespan, the initial cost of establishing a nuclear power station can be distributed over a more extended period, making nuclear energy a cost-effective option.
How Countries are Utilizing Nuclear Energy Technology for Sustainable Development
Several countries, communities, and public bodies have adopted nuclear power as an alternative source of energy and a means to achieve sustainable development.
In recent years, there has also been significant developments in nuclear technology. One of the most notable advancements has been the use of small modular nuclear reactors, which are mobile and can provide energy to remote areas.
In fact, advanced small modular reactors (SMRs) – specifically, high temperature gas reactors (HTGRs) like X-energy’s Xe-100 – have several inherent advantages over other carbon-free power generation, including existing Generation III SMR and conventional large-scale technologies.
About X-Energy Reactor Company, LLC
X-Energy Reactor Company, LLC, is a leading developer of advanced small modular nuclear reactors and fuel technology for clean energy generation.
X-energy is redefining the nuclear energy industry through its development of safer and more efficient advanced small modular nuclear reactors and proprietary fuel to deliver reliable, zero-carbon and affordable energy to people around the world.
For more information, visit X-energy.com or connect with us on Twitter or LinkedIn.