Oyekan A.F., Francisco D.A., Vildanov R.R.
NUCLEAR ENERGY: DEVELOPMENT PROSPECTS AND IMPACT ON THE ECOLOGY *
Аннотация:
for years, nuclear energy has been a major player in powering our world, offering a consistent energy source with a smaller carbon footprint than fossil fuels. Now, with climate change pushing us to find cleaner energy solutions, nuclear is back in the spotlight. Many see it as a key piece of the puzzle for building a sustainable energy future. But it’s not a simple solution. We still have to deal with safety worries, the problem of radioactive waste, and winning over public opinion. This article explores what’s next for nuclear energy, its technological advancements, and its environmental implications, providing a comprehensive analysis of its role in shaping a sustainable future.
Ключевые слова:
energy, waste, mining, accidents, thermal pollution, radiation, contamination, ecosystems, health, risk, carbon-free, environment
Nuclear energy is one of the oldest low-carbon energy technologies, and has been around since the 1960s. It saw massive growth globally in the 1970s, 80s and 90s. The technologys evolution in the second half of the twentieth century progressed through several stages, including theoretical development by physicists, military application as atomic weapons in World War II, commercialization by the electrical industry in several industrialized nations, proliferation among less developed nations, crises spawned by power plant accidents, cost overruns, and public protests, and retrenchment and slowdown in the last few decades of the twentieth century. Nuclear energy is derived from the process of nuclear fission, where the nucleus of an atom splits into smaller parts, releasing a tremendous amount of energy. This energy is harnessed to generate electricity through a series of controlled reactions in nuclear reactors.The history of nuclear energy dates back to the mid-20th century. The first commercial nuclear power plant, Calder Hall in the United Kingdom, began operations in 1956. Since then, nuclear energy has grown significantly, with over 440 reactors operating worldwide as of 2023, contributing approximately 10% of global electricity generation. [1]The development of nuclear technology can be categorized into several generations:Generation I (1950s–1960s): Prototype reactors, such as the Shippingport Atomic Power Station in the United States.Generation II (1970s–1990s): Commercial reactors, including pressurized water reactors (PWRs) and boiling water reactors (BWRs), which form the majority of todays nuclear fleet.Generation III (1990s–2000s): Advanced reactors with enhanced safety features, such as the European Pressurized Reactor (EPR) and the AP1000.Generation IV (2000s–present): Next-generation reactors designed for improved sustainability, safety, and efficiency, including small modular reactors (SMRs) and molten salt reactors (MSRs).The increasing global energy demand, driven by population growth, economic development, and urbanization, has amplified the need for sustainable energy sources. Nuclear energy is considered a key component of future energy strategies due to its capacity to provide a reliable, low-carbon baseload power. Unlike intermittent renewable sources such as solar and wind, nuclear power plants can operate continuously, ensuring a stable electricity supply. The reliability and scalability of nuclear energy make it attractive to nations aiming to reduce their reliance on fossil fuels and enhance energy security.Several countries are actively pursuing nuclear energy expansion through various initiatives. China has an ambitious nuclear program, with numerous reactors under construction and plans for further expansion. India is also expanding its nuclear capacity to meet its growing energy needs and reduce its dependence on coal. In Europe, countries like France continue to rely heavily on nuclear energy, while others, such as the United Kingdom, are investing in new nuclear projects to replace aging coal-fired power plants. The United States is focused on preserving its existing nuclear fleet and supporting the development of advanced reactor technologies. In addition, companies are developing small modular reactors, which may be more cost-effective and can provide power to smaller communities. [2] [3] [4]But at what price does this power come? Let’s look at impact on our world.The nuclear fuel cycle begins with the mining of uranium, a process that can have severe environmental consequences. Uranium extraction typically involves underground or open-pit mining, or a chemical process called in situ leaching. Physical impacts from uranium mining include increased sediment loads and habitat disturbance. Chemical impacts include emissions from diesel equipment. The extraction and processing of uranium ore generate large volumes of radioactive waste. Uranium mining has widespread effects, contaminating the environment with radioactive dust, radon gas, and water-borne toxins. Historic uranium mining left radon-emitting waste piles outside of mine sites, dispersing radioactive particles and contaminating local ground. Pollutants from the mining of uranium can contaminate aquatic ecosystems for hundreds of years, threatening downstream communities and fish and wildlife. [5]For every pound of "enriched" uranium that goes into a nuclear reactor, there are, on average, over 5,000 pounds of radioactive waste produced in the mining and processing of uranium. This waste, known as uranium mill tailings, contains radioactive elements such as radium, which decays to produce the radioactive gas radon. Uranium mill tailings are typically placed near the processing facility and covered with a sealing barrier to prevent radon from escaping into the atmosphere. However, these tailings can still pose a long-term threat to the environment, contaminating soil and water resources.[6] Significant potential environmental risks are associated with extreme natural events and failures in management practices.Nuclear power offers a carbon-free energy source, but it comes with serious baggage: the problem of radioactive waste and the risk of accidents. Imagine waste that stays dangerous for thousands of years – that’s what we’re dealing with. It’s sorted into low-level (easier to handle) and high-level (needs constant cooling and shielding). Right now, we’re mostly storing the really nasty stuff where it’s made, because places like the US don’t have a permanent dump for it. [7] That’s a worry, as these materials threaten our land, water, and health for generations to come.Nuclear disaster caused in Chernobyl (Ukraine).Then there’s the risk of a Chernobyl-style disaster. Human error, faulty equipment, or even earthquakes can cause reactors to go haywire. Suddenly, radioactive stuff is everywhere, poisoning the air and water. People get sick, land becomes uninhabitable, and the economy takes a massive hit. Even if the health effects aren’t as bad as some fear, the psychological impact and the economic fallout on farming, tourism, and other industries can be devastating.Producing nuclear energy relies heavily on water, consuming vast amounts throughout its process. A significant environmental concern is thermal pollution – the warming of water bodies. Nuclear power plants discharge 50% more waste heat to the atmosphere through cooling towers or to a water body than coal-fired plants [8]. Nuclear power plants require massive quantities of water, which they often heat and release back into rivers or lakes. This can severely harm aquatic life. Warmer water holds less oxygen, accelerating the decomposition of organic matter and potentially leading to algal blooms that block sunlight. These blooms feed microbes, further depleting oxygen.Rapidly heated water speeds up the metabolism of aquatic animals, potentially causing malnutrition, while altered conditions force species to leave or die, [8] disrupting biodiversity. State regulations often limit the maximum temperature of cooling water, typically around 30-40°C. Nuclear plants release a higher percentage of wastewater as liquid effluent compared to vapor. The efficiency of nuclear plants in converting thermal energy is about 30%. The combination of increased temperature and other factors, like altered oxygen levels and nutrient concentrations, creates multiple stresses on aquatic ecosystems when heated water is discharged.However, the impact of nuclear energy on the environment is also positive. One of the most compelling arguments for nuclear energy in Russia is its capacity to drastically reduce carbon emissions compared to fossil fuels. Nuclear power plants generate electricity through nuclear fission, a process that does not directly emit greenhouse gases. The heat released by fission is used to create steam, which then drives turbines to produce electricity, all without the harmful byproducts associated with burning fossil fuels. Russia generated over a third of its electricity from low-carbon sources in 2023, with 18% from nuclear. Notably, nuclear energy contributes more than 18% to Russias low-carbon energy mix, with hydropower generating close to another 18%. This substantial reduction is crucial in the fight against climate change, as it helps to mitigate the rise in global temperatures and reduce the risks associated with increased greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere. Russia is one of the few countries without a populist energy policy favoring wind and solar generation, the priority is unashamedly nuclear. [9]The countrys commitment to nuclear energy is evident in its generation mix, where nuclear accounts for a significant portion. In 2021, nuclear energy contributed 223 TWh, representing 19% of the total electricity generation. This is a significant contribution, especially when compared to other low-carbon sources like wind (3.3 TWh) and solar (2.2 TWh). The environmental statement and construction application were approved by Rostechnadzor in May 2009, and the construction licence was granted to Energoatom in June, marking a key step in expanding nuclear capabilities.[10] Russias recent slight decline in emissions intensity is primarily due to an increasing share of natural gas relative to the more polluting fossil fuels, coal, and other sources. By continuing to prioritize nuclear power, Russia can further reduce its carbon footprint and contribute to a cleaner, healthier environment.Another positive aspect of nuclear energy in Russia is the potential for waste minimization through the implementation of closed fuel cycles. The country is committed to closing the fuel cycle and sees fast reactors as key to this goal. Rosatoms long-term strategy up to 2050 involves moving to inherently safe nuclear plants using fast reactors with a closed fuel cycle, especially under the Proryv (Breakthrough) project. It envisages nuclear providing 45-50% of electricity at that time, with the share rising to 70-80% by the end of the century. The ultimate aim of the closed fuel cycle is to eliminate the production of radioactive waste from power generation.In a closed fuel cycle, used nuclear fuel is reprocessed to extract fissile materials, such as uranium and plutonium, which can then be recycled into fresh fuel. This process not only reduces the volume of high-level waste but also recovers valuable resources, contributing to national energy security. Russia has launched its third cycle of testing innovative uranium-plutonium REMIX fuel at the Balakovo Nuclear Power Plant in Saratov Oblast [13]. The VVER-S reactor, under development by Rosatom, is a testament to Russia’s commitment to advancing nuclear technology. This water-cooled and moderated reactor is designed to produce 600 MW of electrical power and uses spectral regulation to optimize the absorption of neutrons by uranium-238, resulting in the generation of plutonium, which can be reused as fuel. The use of MOX fuel, by blending plutonium recovered from spent reactor fuel with depleted uranium, reduces reliance on natural uranium by 50 per cent and optimizes the energy extraction process. By leveraging innovative technologies and alternative fuels, Russia aims to enhance energy efficiency while reducing environmental impact.During normal operations, Russian nuclear power plants do not produce any pollution of the environment, except for thermal pollution [11]. Unlike coal and gas-fired power stations, nuclear facilities do not emit air pollutants such as sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter, which contribute to acid rain, smog, and respiratory problems [11]. This absence of air pollution is particularly beneficial in urban areas, where air quality is often compromised by industrial emissions. The operation of nuclear power plants does involve the release of thermal pollution into nearby water bodies. Thermal water pollution is the degradation of water quality due to a change in ambient water temperature. Water in the Nuclear Heating Process travels through a pump to the reaction chamber, containing the nuclear fuel rods, where the water is heated and vaporized to pressurized steam, reaching temperatures of roughly 315°C. The steam then passes through multiple turbines, which turn generators that makes electricity. Finally, the steam is condensed, cooled, and sent back to the reaction chamber.However, most state regulations set a hard limit on cooling water maximum temperature, usually around the 30-40°C. Rosatom is actively investigating and implementing technologies to mitigate the impact of thermal discharge on aquatic ecosystems. [12] Additionally, it is also worth noting that nuclear power releases a higher percentage of its wastewater as liquid effluent streams instead of vapor. Federal standards and rules in the field of atomic energy use provide a framework for the safe management of radioactive waste from nuclear power plants. Despite these challenges, the overall environmental impact of nuclear energy, when considering both air and water pollution, is generally lower than that of fossil fuel-based power generation. In conclusion, nuclear energy offers significant positive impacts on the environment, primarily through its ability to reduce carbon emissions, the potential for waste minimization via closed fuel cycles, and the limited air pollution produced during normal operations. While the risks associated with accidents and waste disposal cannot be ignored, ongoing advancements in reactor technology, waste management techniques, and safety protocols are continuously improving the environmental performance of nuclear energy. Russias commitment to nuclear energy is reflected in its long-term strategies and investments in advanced technologies. By embracing nuclear energy as a key component of a diversified energy portfolio, Russia and many other countries can move towards a cleaner, more sustainable future while meeting the growing demands for electricity. The potential of nuclear energy to combat climate change and provide reliable, low-carbon power makes it an essential tool in the global effort to protect the environment for future generations [9].
Номер журнала Вестник науки №8 (89) том 4
Ссылка для цитирования:
Oyekan A.F., Francisco D.A., Vildanov R.R. NUCLEAR ENERGY: DEVELOPMENT PROSPECTS AND IMPACT ON THE ECOLOGY // Вестник науки №8 (89) том 4. С. 270 - 278. 2025 г. ISSN 2712-8849 // Электронный ресурс: https://www.вестник-науки.рф/article/25456 (дата обращения: 18.01.2026 г.)
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