Nuclear Reactor

Nuclear Reactor

A Nuclear Reactor is a sophisticated device engineered to initiate and control a sustained nuclear chain reaction. Unlike fossil fuel-based power plants, nuclear reactors harness the energy released from splitting atomic nuclei, typically of uranium or plutonium isotopes, in a process known as nuclear fission. This energy is then converted into thermal energy, which is used to produce steam. The steam drives turbines connected to electricity generators, thus supplying power to the grid without the direct emission of greenhouse gases.

Nuclear reactors come in various types, including Pressurized Water Reactors (PWRs), Boiling Water Reactors (BWRs), and Advanced Gas-cooled Reactors (AGRs), each distinguished by their specific methods for cooling the reactor core and transferring heat to generate electricity. The core of a nuclear reactor houses not only the nuclear fuel but also control rods that manage the fission process and moderator materials that slow down neutrons, maintaining the chain reaction at a stable rate.

As a key component in the transition to a low-carbon energy system, nuclear reactors offer a reliable, high-output energy source. Despite the challenges of radioactive waste management and high initial investment costs, advancements in technology continue to enhance the safety, efficiency, and sustainability of nuclear reactors, solidifying their role in the diversified energy portfolio essential for addressing climate change.