Nuclear power or nuclear energy is produced when the nuclei of atoms re either split (fission) or united (fusion).
A nuclear power plant is basically similar to a conventional power plant –that is, it produces steam to run the turbine generator to generate electricity. The main difference between a nuclear power plant and a conventional thermal power plant is the method of heat generation to produce steam. In a conventional thermal power plant , heat is generated by burning fossil fuel such as oil, coal or natural gas.
In a nuclear power plant, heat is generated inside the reactor vessel through a phenomenon called nuclear fission.
Heat generated in a nuclear reactor is proportional to the number of fissions occurring per unit of time. Rate of fission is directly proportional to the neutron flux or neutron population. Therefore, to control power reactor, neutron flux, must be controlled. Neutron flux is regulated by using control rods. Control rods are made of materials that naturally absorbed neutrons.
Why go nuclear?
Economics is an important criteria in selecting generating options, but is not only the factor. Other reasons for developing nuclear power are to fuel the economy: to protect the environment, to secure energy dependence , an to advance the national technology.
A.) Reliable supply of electricity
* Majority of advanced countries have adopted a diversified strategy in building and planning electric power generation capacity .
B.) Nuclear Power Contributes to a Cleaner Atmosphere
* Under routine operations, nuclear plants generate virtually noair or water pollution and limited to lower-level radiation of under one millirem per year—about one percent theamount received from natural resources such as he atmosphere and the earth.
C.) Nuclear Power Contributes to energy Supply.
* World energy resources are limited. This century, world use of energy has trebled every 30 years.
D.) Nuclear Power Contributes to technology Advancement
* A vigorous nuclear program enhance the technology base of other countries of the Pacific rim and can have the same effect in the Philippines.
THE PHILIPPINE NUCLEAR PROGRAM
The need for a stable and reliable energy supply was clearly illustrated by the Philippine experience of the last five years where the bleak energy supply situation caused massive losses in the productivity.
Indigenous energy resources even if it exploited to full capacity is not sufficient to support the progress needed to give our growing population the quality of life it deserves. Important too is the fact that world energy resources especially oil and natural gas is estimated tolast up to the first half of the next century.
Thus, the entry of nuclear power as a vital contributor to a safe , reliable, competitive, and cost effective source if energy supply becomes a necessity.
OBJECTIVES OF THE NUCLEAR PROGRAM
1.) To establish the nuclear power as a vital contributor to a reliable, safe , competitive and cost effective energy supply.
2.) To address safety and environmental concerns in the utilization of nuclear energy.
3.) To develop other industries to support nuclear power systems in the long term
4.) To develop other uses of nuclear power
5.) To formulate and implement a nuclear power information program.
CONCLUSION
For developing countries like the Philippines, too much reliance on conventional sources of fuel makes it difficult to totally achieve its national economic goals. Thus, for the country to achieve its vision of Philippines 2000, it is imperative that an alternative power to be identified . It is for the reason why President Fidel V. Ramos issued Executive Order No.243, establishing the Nuclear power Steering Committee, which will comprised of key industry leaders from both the government and private sectors.