Advancements in Nuclear Power: A Sustainable and Cost-Effective Energy Option
Nuclear Power: A Reliable and Clean Energy Alternative
According to the World-Nuclear.org, as of August 2023, nuclear power stations have provided electricity since the 1950s and 1960s, accounting for approximately 10% of the global electricity supply. With increasing concerns regarding carbon emissions and global warming, nuclear power has gained recognition as a clean energy source as it does not produce carbon emissions. Currently, nuclear power is being utilized in 50 countries, not only for electricity generation but also for medical and other purposes. In fact, 13 countries rely solely on nuclear energy, producing up to a quarter of their total electricity needs. France leads the pack, producing up to 70% of its electricity demand through nuclear power. Germany, while not building more nuclear power stations, continues to purchase nuclear electricity from France.
Cost and Efficiency: Nuclear Power’s Competitive Edge
One key advantage of nuclear power is its low fuel cost compared to other energy sources. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reported that as of April 23, 2014, there were 435 active reactors in 31 countries worldwide, collectively generating one sixth of the world’s electrical power.
When comparing production costs, electricity generation from coal and nuclear sources emerges as the most affordable. Generating electricity from coal only costs 2.74 baht/kilowatt, closely followed by nuclear power at 2.79 baht/kilowatt. In contrast, other energy sources, such as diesel fuel (13.65 baht/kilowatt) and biomass (33.50 baht/kilowatt), prove to be more expensive. Additionally, the use of renewable energy, such as solar and wind power, still demands higher production costs compared to nuclear energy.
Averting Nuclear Catastrophes: Assurances of Safety
While nuclear power plants have often been viewed with fear due to their association with nuclear weaponry, it is crucial to dispel any misconceptions. Commercial nuclear reactors do not possess the capability to explode like nuclear bombs. Past incidents, such as the Al Tuwaitha nuclear complex bombing in Iraq in 1980 and the Israeli airstrikes on an Iraqi nuclear research facility in 1981, demonstrate that nuclear reactors can withstand such attacks without catastrophic consequences.
Moreover, accidents like the Fukushima nuclear disaster in 2011 were largely due to negligence and poor maintenance rather than inherent risks of nuclear power. Sophon Phonchokchai and AniruthSongchakkaew from the Office of Atoms for Peace emphasize that modern security measures have dramatically reduced the likelihood of severe accidents, making reactor core meltdowns highly improbable.
Future Outlook: The Growing Influence of Nuclear Power
The increasing demand for electricity and the need for sustainable energy solutions have led to the expansion of nuclear power plants worldwide. Between 2023 and 2030, an additional 56 nuclear power stations are expected to be constructed, signifying nuclear power’s upward trajectory. Notably, China and India, with 24 and 8 proposed locations respectively, demonstrate a particularly strong interest in nuclear energy. Other countries like Turkey, Egypt, South Korea, Russia, Bangladesh, England, Slovakia, Argentina, Iran, and Egypt also plan to establish nuclear power plants.
Even countries that were once hesitant about nuclear power, like Myanmar and Cambodia, are exploring partnerships with Russia and China to develop their own nuclear power stations. These advancements in nuclear technology are expected to enhance fuel efficiency, reduce capital costs, and minimize nuclear waste production.
Nuclear Energy: A Viable Option for Thailand
While concerns about nuclear weapons still persist, it is essential to separate them from the potential benefits of nuclear power for Thailand. The longer the technology evolves, the safer it becomes. By harnessing nuclear energy, Thailand can secure a stable and cost-effective energy source, ultimately enabling the provision of cheaper electricity to its citizens. Additionally, constructing nuclear power plants would contribute to a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, aligning with the country’s sustainability goals.
However, it is important to consider financial feasibility and efficiently manage risks associated with nuclear power plant construction. According to the International Atomic Energy Agency, a careful feasibility study should be conducted, encompassing an approximate 10% rate of return, including maintenance costs. To ensure profitability, electricity generated by the nuclear power plants should yield a net income of approximately 40,000 million baht per year.
In conclusion, nuclear power presents a promising energy alternative, addressing sustainability concerns and offering economic advantages. As Thailand plans for its energy future, the benefits of nuclear power in terms of reliability, cleanliness, and cost-effectiveness cannot be ignored. By adopting nuclear energy, Thailand can forge a path towards a sustainable and prosperous future.
World-Nuclear.org information up to August 2023 found thatnuclear power stationThe first machines have been around since the 1950s and 1960s. Electricity from nuclear energy accounts for 10% of the total electricity supply.
Nuclear power is being consideredClean energy (does not use carbon) Nuclear furnaces are now available in 50 countries and are also used for medical and other purposes, and in 13 countries they use nuclear electricity. Produces up to a quarter of electricity needs
France alone produces up to 70% of demand. (If anyone is afraid of nuclear weapons, they must not go to France.) Germany still has nuclear power plants. and although they may not build more nuclear power stations but also buy the electricity producedNuclearFrom France instead!
nuclear power station The cost of fuel is cheap compared to other production costs.
According to the IAEA, as of April 23, 2014, there were 435 active reactors in 31 countries around the world. Together, they produce one sixth of all the electrical power in the world.
The United States has the largest number of nuclear power stations, followed by France, but at the moment China and India are particularly “hot”.
From news reports he said “Electricity generation fromdiesel fuelThis is the type with the highest cost at 13.65 baht / kilowatt. and costs vary according to oil prices in the world market.
Electricity generation fromsunshineIt costs 12.50 baht / kilowatt. wind energy 5.20 baht / kilowatt combined heat energy 4.34 baht / kilowatt waste energy Section 35 baht / kilowattbiomass energywith a production cost of 33.50 baht / kilowatt
Even cheaper than production using natural gas. But there are limitations, namely the uncertain amount of reserves. This makes management difficult and the price of biomass tends to continue to increase.
while producing electricity from coal and nuclear which has the lowest cost. By generating electricity fromcoalit has a production cost of 2.74 baht/kilowatt andnuclear power stationIt costs 2.79 baht/kilowatt,” so the future of coal and nuclear is much cheaper and more stable.
It can be said that nuclear power plants usually have high investment costs. But direct fuel costs are low. Similarly, green buildings often require a more expensive initial investment. But it saves money and is worth it in the long run.
Sophon surveys changes in land prices after the Fukushima power plant explosion, May 2019.
In addition, there are measures to reduce global warming such as carbon taxes or trading carbon emissions This increases the economic value of nuclear energy. Increased performance is expected to be achieved.
through more advanced reactor designs New nuclear reactors It is more fuel efficient and has lower capital costs and does not produce nuclear waste.
On the one hand, a nuclear reactor It has also become a popular target during military conflicts. (and not just nuclear power stations but also general power plants Water supply factories, bridges, dams, etc. are subject to repeated aerial attacks. in taking possession and in invading various territories
In reality, that is not possible for commercial nuclear reactors. which will explode like a nuclear bomb This is because the fuel is not powerful enough to make that happen.
To make everyone feel relieved There are examples such as
– In September 1980, Iran bombed the Al Tuwaitha nuclear complex in Iraq.
– In June 1981, Israeli airstrikes destroyed an Iraqi nuclear research facility.
Sophon inspecting the Chernobyl power plant, Ukraine, July 2018.
– Between 1984 and 1987, Iraq bombed the Bushehr nuclear facility in Iran six times.
– In 1991, the United States bombed three nuclear reactors in Iraq.
– In 1991, Iraq fired a missile at Israel’s Dimona nuclear power plant, but there was never an explosion.
Many of you may be worried about an accident.Fukushima Nuclear In 2011, it was truly caused by negligence. Due to lack of proper maintenance for many years (Japan is also “messy”).
Peerawut Bunsuwan and Aniruth Songchakkaew, Office of Atoms for Peace It is summarized in the final report. “Six decades of nuclear accidents Solutions for damage and radioactive waste management problems” in November 2011
“Three Mile Island was just a nuclear accident. That is caused by the actual operation of the machine. This may indicate that the use of nuclear power stations is very safe. These days, security technology has advanced a lot. To the point where the chance of a serious accident resulting in a melted reactor core is negligible.”
Furthermore, between 2023 and 2030 there will be 56 additional nuclear power stations worldwide. Nuclear power plants are continually increasing. It is considered to be in the “uptrend” period.
There will be 24 locations in China, 8 locations in India, 4 locations in Turkey, 3 locations each in Egypt, South Korea, Russia, 2 locations each in Bangladesh and England There will also be 1 location each in Slovakia, the United States, England, Argentina, India, Iran and Egypt.
Recently, Myanmar has been talking with Russia to develop a nuclear power plant. In 2021, Cambodia signed an agreement with Russia and China to help develop a nuclear power plant.
If Myanmar and Cambodia had power plants People who are so afraid of nuclear weapons “____ their brains” will probably have to move out of Thailand.IndonesiaThere is still a plan to build a nuclear power plant by 1939 (16 years until 2023) so that the country can stop emitting greenhouse gases.
in a financial feasibility analysis If one power station requires an investment of about 400,000 million baht, the overall rate of return from IAEA Preparing a Feasibility Study for New Nuclear Power Projects will be 10%, including maintenance costs. various risks, therefore, electricity must be sold to obtain a net income of approximately 40,000 million baht per year, or the equivalent of the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand.
However, nuclear energy as a “hero” has been “smeared” as a “villain” by oil and gas energy producers and NGOs who use it as a weapon.
Therefore, construction cannot be completed at this time. Only when gas and oil are depleted. and generating electricity from wind and sunlight It is still more expensive than nuclear energy and will bring the “hero” back to his place.
But many people might say that if nuclear power is really good Would anyone dare to build a power station behind their house France’s largest nuclear power station, the Gravelines Nuclear Power Station, seems to have ‘to be located only 2 kilometers from ordinary people’s homes.
The largest nuclear power plant in the world is located in Japan called Kashiwazaki-Kariwa Nuclear Power Plant only 1 kilometer from the residential area and less than 200 kilometers from Tokyo.
Therefore, we should not fear nuclear weapons, The longer the time, the safer technology becomes. If Thailand had a power station It would give more cheap electricity to Thai people. It is beneficial to the general public.
Foreign real estate column
Dr Sophon Phonchokchai
Executive Chairman Thai Real Estate Research and Valuation Information Center
Agency for Real Estate Matters Co., Ltd.
www.area.co.th
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