Abstract The paper explores how the United Kingdom can use tidal energy to produce consistent alternative electricity. The paper looks at the two basic options for converting the kinetic energy of the tides into electrical energy. The paper examines the tidalpower generation technology and the capital costs necessary and then considers the environmental impact represented by these tidal generation options.
The paper concludes that tidalpower has the potential to provide a significant portion of the United Kingdom's energy needs.
Outline:
Introduction: Coastal UK and TidalPower Technical Considerations
Economics of TidalPower Environmental Impact of TidalPower Conclusions
From the Paper "Developing alternative energy technologies that are reliable and site-specific can be difficult. Because alternative energy systems typically rely on locally available energy resources, they are not applicable in all situations and all circumstances. It is important to consider the potential energy resources of a given region prior to selecting an energy technology for development. For instance, it would be foolish to suggest the use of solar technology in a predominantly cloudy region, or a hydroelectric facility for an area that only seasonally has running water. The most important first consideration is to consider the site, and then determine what is the most reliable, locally available energy resource."
Abstract This paper gives the pros and cons of nuclear powerplants, and what Christian Stewards can do about the issue. It also gives a briefing on the problems at Oyster Creek nuclear powerplant in New Jersey and what is being done to address these problems.
Abstract This paper examines the environmental problems that occur due to emissions from coal-fired powerplants. The paper focuses on the older powerplants in the Great Lakes region. The paper discusses the problem and explores solutions to rectify the situation. The paper contends that, despite pollution issues, there are many reasons to support coal-fired powerplants, and therefore, the most promising solution involves tighter regulation of coal-fired powerplants, particularly reducing the pollution caused by older plants, such as those in the Great Lakes area.
From the Paper "Out of the entire electric industry, coal-fired power plants contribute 96% of sulfur dioxide emissions, 93% of nitrogen oxide emissions, 88% of carbon dioxide emissions, and 99% of mercury emissions (Dirty coal power). Today, there are fish consumption advisories for mercury contamination in 45 states and 20% of American women of childbearing age have levels of mercury that exceed what is considered safe for a fetus (Mercury from coal-fired power plants). Coal-fired power plants is responsible for over 90% of mercury contamination in the Great Lakes (Gluckman, 2004) Further, EPA studies reveal that air pollution from coal-fired power plants triggers asthma attacks, bronchitis, and heart disease, and contributes to about 30,000 premature deaths a year (New source review/ coal-fired power plants)."
Abstract This paper compares two technologies, photovoltaic cells and solar thermal powerplants, both providing energy from solar radiation, but by different means and in different degrees. It looks at how the photovoltaic cell is used in limited situations for powering small appliances and how solar thermal powerplants are able to produce much more energy for use on a widespread basis by consumers, industry and entire countries. The relative costs are noted, along with economies that will be realized once these systems are more widely used.
From the Paper "This report summarizes two related technologies, the photovoltaic cell and the solar thermal power plant, both methods of producing energy from solar radiation. The photovoltaic cell is used in limited situations for powering small appliances, and solar thermal power plants are able to produce much more energy for use on a widespread basis by consumers, industry, and entire countries. The relative costs are noted, along with economies that will be realized once these systems are more widely used. Introduction One of the great unknowns in American energy policy remains the extent to which solar energy in its various forms will contribute to the nation's energy supply in the future. After the oil, embargo in 1973, considerable interest was expressed in solar energy as a potential way of producing energy and of reducing dependence on foreign oil. "
Abstract This essay examines the safety of nuclear powerplants in the event of attack. It looks at the safety features included in the design of a nuclear reactor and discusses the ability of those features to withstand an actual air attack. Expert opinions and test information are given.
From the Paper "In light of the Al-Qaeda's most recent weapon of choice used in New York and Washington D.C., more needs to be done to protect our nuclear power plants from an air attack. Mohamed ElBaradei who is the Director of the International Atomic Energy Agency was quoted in the December 2001 issue of Nuclear Engineering International when addressing the UN General Assembly in New York as saying, ?the terrorist attacks on September 11 had [have] been a wake up call to the industry that more could and should be done to bolster security."
Tags: boeing, commission, containment, crystal, flight, fuel, iodide, jet, ki, nrc, path, plane, pool, postassium, radiation, reactor, regulatory
Abstract This paper examines how nuclear power is one of the most divisive issues in America today and how opponents of nuclear power have succeeded in convincing people to oppose the construction of new plants and to fight the relicensing of old plants. It puts forth some of the arguments from both sides to support their positions and looks at issues such as the question of safety and need for nuclear powerplants and the of storing nuclear waste. It analyzes how proponents of nuclear power present convincing arguments for the continued and expanded uses of nuclear power in this country and how they claim that the objections raised by opponents lack validity and are contrary to the facts and our experience.
From the Paper "The opponents of nuclear power focus on the inherent lack of safety that they believe that the use of nuclear power entails. This includes both the dangers of radiation from nuclear power plants and the possibility of a catastrophic accident. First, the opponents say that radiation levels are higher in areas around nuclear power plants, and this leads to an increased number of deaths from cancer. They cite the case of the Pilgrim Nuclear Power Station in Plymouth, Massachusetts that went online in 1988. Responding to the concerns of local residents, the state conducted a study which found that there were fifty percent more cancer cases in the five towns around the plant than there were in the rest of the state. The power company had said that people in the area would receive 400 times less radiation from the plant than they would from natural sources. Further studies showed that the risk of getting cancer was four times higher for people living within ten miles of the plant than for other parts of the state. "
Abstract This paper examines the theory, components and mechanics of a hydropower plant, discusses how water is controlled and converted into fluid power and then into electrical power, and describes the components used to do it.
Abstract The paper describes the 1986 accident at the nuclear power station in Chernobyl, Ukraine and the effects caused by the radiation release. The paper discusses the many cases of thyroid cancer by residents exposed as children and the effects to workers that eventually culminated in four thousand radiation-related cancer deaths. The paper then looks at the Nuclear Regulatory Commission's (NRC) response.
From the Paper "An accident occurred on April 26, 1986 at Unit 4 of the nuclear power station located in Chernobyl, Ukraine, in the former USSR. It is reported to have been caused by a sudden surge of power that destroyed the reactor releasing massive amounts of radioactive material into the atmosphere. Both boron and sand were poured from the air onto the reactor in order to stop the fire and prevent any further significant release of the material. A temporary "sarcophagus" was created to entomb the damaged unit. Actions to reduce contamination in and around the site included cutting down and burying one square mile of a nearby pine forest. Immediately after the incident occurred, access within an eighteen-mile radius was closed off except for those individuals with official access for evaluation purposes and others who were responsible for managing the other undamaged units (U.S. NRC)."
Tags: exposure, radiation, radioactivity, contamination, thyroid, cancer
Abstract This paper examines the hazardous situation of the nuclear power system in the former Soviet Union, focusing on Russia and its determination to pursue nuclear power as an energy source. The paper discusses nuclear power development plans in Russia and provides statistics on nuclear power facilities.
From the Paper "This report examines the situation of the nuclear power system in the former Soviet Union focusing on Russia, in which government remains determined to pursue development of needed energy sources via nuclear power plant construction. However, the literature reveals that prior to the collapse of the former Soviet Union the region's operating nuclear power plant facilities were largely unsafe, poorly maintained and operated unprofessionally. Poor waste disposal, dumping of wastes on open land and numerous accidents or other hazardous incidents..."
This paper discusses the use of tidalpower as a cource of electricity: Technology, cause of surges, mills, caissons, barrages, turbines, costs and advantages.
1,575 words (approx. 6.3 pages), 5 sources, 1994, $ 55.95
From the Paper "Tidal energy has been used by humans for hundreds of years. In the modern era, the power is utilized for the production of electricity. The technologies involved are both proven and effective. However, with the exception of a tidal power plant at La Rance, France, the energy resource remains largely undeveloped. This may be in part because of the relatively high cost of the electricity produced. Only in appropriate circumstances will tidal power ever utilize its potential as both a dependable and enduring power source.
Tidal surges are caused by complex interactions between the gravitational fields of the sun and the moon. These phenomena occur in cycles of varying length. For the most part, the earth's oceans bulge along an axis which is approximately in line ... "
Abstract The paper explores whether or not coal power can ever become a sustainable technology. The paper defines sustainability and explains that although coal powerplants pollute the atmosphere, new technologies have made the idea of environmentally responsible coal powerplants a possibility. The paper concludes that the use of coal in hyper-efficient gasification plants seems to be a viable, sustainable option.
From the Paper "First we must articulate a conception of sustainability, a definition if you will. Conclusions about coal's sustainability will be largely arbitrary unless we establish from the outset a clear sense of what it means to be sustainable. This will provide the framework with which coal's potential to be a sustainable option can be evaluated. It is naive to think that sustainability is defined as an either-or proposition. Too often, definitions of sustainability imagine that a process, technology, or ideology is either sustainable or it is not."
Abstract This paper explains the reasons behind the halt in nuclear powerplant construction in the United States. Factors in the decline of nuclear powerplants include raising costs, disposal of nuclear waste, concern for safety, declining public opinion and governmental programs and decisions not favorable to the nuclear power industry. Footnotes.
From the Paper "After a period of rapid growth in the nuclear power industry, resulting in over a hundred nuclear power plants being constructed in the United States alone, in the early 1970's the industry began to slow and even began to decline in the 1980"s, while the rest of the world continued to increase their nuclear industry capacity. In the mid-1970's the Atomic Energy Commission predicated that by the year 2000 there would be more than 1,000 nuclear power plants in the United States.[1] No new nuclear power plants have been ordered in the United States since 1973 and several plants have gone off-line since.[2] Between 1990 and 1995, 20 additional nuclear power plants came online outside of the United States, with an additional 36 under construction. Furthermore, Robert Newman, the President of ABB Combustion Engineering Nuclear Systems, in a October 6, 1996 New York Times article suggested that his company had been approached by the government of China with a plan to build as many as 150 nuclear power plants over the next 40 years.[3] Currently, there are over 437 nuclear power plants operating around the world.[4] Hence, while the rest of the world is increasing their dependence on nuclear power, the question becomes, why is the Untied States making a rapid reversal in its dependence on nuclear power" Several tangible factors have been suggested: the rising costs of construction of a nuclear power plant, the increase in time that it takes to construct a nuclear power plant, the disposal of low grade and high grade nuclear waste, public safety of living near a nuclear power plant, declining public support for nuclear power, and the fear of nuclear power plants contributing to the proliferation of nuclear weapons around the world."
Abstract This paper examines the background of wind power as an alternative energy source and how it can be applied in an urban setting today. This paper includes several colorful graphics and links to actual plans on how to construct a wind generator as an alternative energy source.
From the Paper "No one is absolutely certain when the power of the wind was first used by mankind. Certainly, the Egyptians were sailing barges on the Nile as long as 5,000 years ago. Simple wind machines were probably used for grinding grain in Persian 2,000 years ago, and windmills with cloth sails have been used in Crete for centuries to pump water (Dineen 17). Today, one of the best ways of using the wind's energy is to turn it into electricity (Cross 15). Windmills (and increasingly wind turbines) have been used for some time for produce electricity, but there are significant problems associated with the technology that limits its widespread use. This paper examines the background of wind power as an alternative energy source and how it can be applied in an urban setting today."
Abstract This paper discusses the Three Mile Island nuclear powerplant accident, the most serious nuclear powerplant accident in North America. The paper explains that, although there were no direct casualties, the Three Mile Island accident brought about great public opposition to nuclear power and the tragedy at Chernobyl that took place several years later increased this opposition. The paper further points out that, although the Three Mile Island accident took place over 25 years ago, the full impact is still unknown and contradictory data on the impacts on human health exists.
From the Paper "Three Mile Island Nuclear power has several advantages over fossil fuel. It does not contribute to the greenhouse effect and produces less atmospheric pollution. Unlike fossil fuels we are unlikely to run out of uranium for a while thus using nuclear energy means less reliance on foreign oil. Nuclear power plants do however generate nuclear waste, disposal of which is of great concern as high-level radioactive waste is highly toxic and "by 1995 about 28 000 tons of spent fuel were stored in the United States" (Henderson, 2000). According to some studies, nuclear power is also the cheapest source of energy. It is worth noting that..."
Abstract This paper looks at both sides of the nuclear power debate. It focuses on global warming, political violence and the likelihood of change. The author looks at Chernobyl, and Three Mile lsland and how activists on both sides used it to further their message. It also looks at different facilities, their monitoring processes and ways to decrease the chances of accidents occurring in these plants. It also looks at recent incidents at nuclear facilities in the United States, Japan and Germany that have led to the re-evaluation of those government's nuclear policies. As a final note, the author presents many examples of demonstrations against the use of nuclear power, worldwide, to show how this has become a global issue.
From the Paper "Yet, dissenting voices call attention to the dangers of nuclear power: specifically, the devastating effects of the explosion at Chernobyl of the former Soviet Union in 1986, and the contamination of the plant Three Mile Island in Pennsylvania which happened earlier, in 1979. The Chernobyl explosion sent nuclear fallout for miles immediately surrounding the plant, making much of the land uninhabitable. In addition, radiation that caused severe environmental damage to the surrounding areas has been attributed to rising cancer rates throughout Europe. Though the plant at Three Mile Island did not suffer such a catastrophe due to a containment facility, which prevented radioactive materials from being released into the atmosphere, and therefore avoided severe environmental damage, the plant is now thoroughly contaminated, and it cannot be destroyed. Environmentalists argue that increased safety precautions are not enough; accidents like the aforementioned can, and will, happen again. The sound the call not for more nuclear power plants, but the halt of production of new nuclear power plants, and in some cases, argue that nuclear energy in its entirety should be phased out of the energy equation (Janger et. al., 219)."
