As stated in the monograph America Need’s Americas Energy and Its Natural Resources, all avenues of energy should be research and analyzed for America’s ultimate energy results. In the monograph, several areas of energy are highlighted. One is nuclear power.
The following are excerpts that details the pros and cons of the nuclear power industry:
From the book, America Needs America’s Energy, published in 2012, which is the basis of the monograph, “The first U.S. nuclear power plant went into commercial production in 1957 at Shippingport, Pennsylvania. At present [2012], 104 reactors are in operation in this country. According to the World Nuclear Association, in 2009 there were 436 reactors in 30 countries around the globe, with 52 more under construction and another 135 planned. Due to the Fukushima nuclear power plant disaster in Japan, however, the entire nuclear energy sector is facing uncertainty. Primary issues to be resolved include the status of advanced design nuclear power plants, fairness of the licensing process by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), and status of a permanent nuclear waste repository.”
The pros of nuclear power findings in 2012: Nuclear fission is emission-free; nuclear fission enables 24-7 operations; and nuclear fission is a less expensive alternative for the consumer. The cons of nuclear power included: Regulatory constraints on nuclear plans are stringent and nuclear fission produces radioactive waste.
Current Research and Findings (2022)
Fission is a reaction whereby atoms are split, and energy is released. Because of its high energy density (the amount of energy needed to hold the atoms together), enriched uranium is the most common fuel used to generate power in nuclear plants. Uranium is a common metal found in rock formations worldwide in its natural state. The tubes filled with the radioactive water will bring clean water in the generator to a boil, which will then be turned into steam. The radioactive water is then returned to the reactor core to be reheated and the process is repeated. Power plants will either cool the steam back into water and repeat the process or source water from rivers, ponds and the ocean. As of June 2021, 62 of the 93 nuclear power reactors in operation in the United States were pressurized-water reactors.
Nuclear Power’s Unique Attributes
Nuclear energy performs especially well when evaluated along two specific measures: generation capacity and capacity factor. Generation capacity is the maximum output at which an energy source can produce electricity. Essentially, how much electricity a generator can produce when operated at its maximum capability. Capacity factor, according to the EIA, is how much of the time an energy plant can run at its maximum output (generation capacity). The ability of nuclear to produce electricity at its full potential dwarfs every other energy source, with its next closest competition being natural gas. If a nuclear plant runs for 60 minutes, it can be operating at maximum capacity for 55 of those minutes. This is a key advantage of nuclear that impacts its role in the energy mix, which is explored further below.
For updates and research go to the monograph, America needs America’s Energy and Its Natural Resources. The monograph eBook version can be found on barnesandnoble.com and Amazon.com.
In order to maximize America’s energy strengths, the oil and gas industry will be vital, along with the implementation of various forms of energy to maximize America’s energy results!
Mark A. Stansberry, Chairman of The GTD Group, is an award-winning author, columnist, film and music producer, radio talk show host and 2009 Western Oklahoma Hall of Fame inductee. Stansberry has written five energy-related books. He has been active in the oil and gas industry for over 44 years, having served as CEO/President of Moore-Stansberry, Inc., and The Oklahoma Royalty Company. He has served as Chairman of the Board of Regents of the Regional University System of Oklahoma, Chairman 2016-2017 of the Gaylord-Pickens Museum/Oklahoma Hall of Fame Board of Directors, Lifetime Trustee of Oklahoma Christian University, and Board Emeritus of the Oklahoma Governor’s International Team. He has served on several public and private boards.
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Mark Stansberryhttps://oilmanmagazine.com/author/mark-stansberry/
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Mark Stansberryhttps://oilmanmagazine.com/author/mark-stansberry/
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Mark Stansberryhttps://oilmanmagazine.com/author/mark-stansberry/
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Mark Stansberryhttps://oilmanmagazine.com/author/mark-stansberry/
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Mark Stansberryhttps://oilmanmagazine.com/author/mark-stansberry/
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Mark Stansberryhttps://oilmanmagazine.com/author/mark-stansberry/
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Mark Stansberryhttps://oilmanmagazine.com/author/mark-stansberry/
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Mark Stansberryhttps://oilmanmagazine.com/author/mark-stansberry/
Oil and gas operations are commonly found in remote locations far from company headquarters. Now, it's possible to monitor pump operations, collate and analyze seismic data, and track employees around the world from almost anywhere. Whether employees are in the office or in the field, the internet and related applications enable a greater multidirectional flow of information – and control – than ever before.
