Chapter 16 Nonrenewable Energy

Chapter 16Chapter 16

Nonrenewable EnergyNonrenewable Energy

Chapter Overview QuestionsChapter Overview Questions

What are the advantages and disadvantages What are the advantages and disadvantages of of conventional oilconventional oil and and nonconventional nonconventional heavy oilsheavy oils??

What are the advantages and disadvantages What are the advantages and disadvantages of of natural gasnatural gas??

What are the advantages and disadvantages What are the advantages and disadvantages of of coalcoal and the and the conversion of coalconversion of coal to to gaseous gaseous and liquid fuels?and liquid fuels?

Chapter Overview Questions (cont’d)Chapter Overview Questions (cont’d)

What are the advantages and disadvantages What are the advantages and disadvantages of of conventional nuclear conventional nuclear fissionfission

breederbreeder nuclear fission nuclear fission

nuclear nuclear fusionfusion

(note: there is no such word as “nucular”)(note: there is no such word as “nucular”)

The Thunder Horse production platform is the largest moored semi-submersible oil platform in the world, located in 1,920 metres (6,300 ft) of water in the Mississippi Canyon Block 778/822, about 150 miles (241 km) southeast of New Orleans.Construction costs were around five billion USD,[7] and the platform is expected to operate for 25 years.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Semi-submersible

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oil_platform

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_dollar

July 12, 2005--Thunder Horse, a semi-submersible platform owned by BP, was found listing after the crew returned. The rig was evacuated for Hurricane Dennis.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thunder_Horse

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hurricane_Dennis

Core Case Study: Core Case Study: How Long Will the Oil Party Last? How Long Will the Oil Party Last?

Saudi ArabiaSaudi Arabia could supply the world with oil could supply the world with oil for about 10 years.for about 10 years.

The The Alaska’s North SlopeAlaska’s North Slope could meet the could meet the world oil demand for 6 months (U.S. 3 world oil demand for 6 months (U.S. 3 years).years).

Alaska’s Alaska’s Arctic National Wildlife RefugeArctic National Wildlife Refuge would meet the world demand for 1-5 would meet the world demand for 1-5 months (U.S. 7-25 months).months (U.S. 7-25 months).


““Contrary to popular belief, the world is not Contrary to popular belief, the world is not about to run out of oil in the near future.”about to run out of oil in the near future.”

““Geologists predict that known and Geologists predict that known and projected global reserves of conventional projected global reserves of conventional oil will be 80% depleted sometime between oil will be 80% depleted sometime between 2050 and 2100” Miller (2009), p.3702050 and 2100” Miller (2009), p.370

Peak oilPeak oil will occur significantly before 80% will occur significantly before 80% depletion.depletion.

Core Case Study: Core Case Study:

How Long Will the Oil Party Last?How Long Will the Oil Party Last? In 2008, the IEA predicted a plateau by 2020 and a In 2008, the IEA predicted a plateau by 2020 and a

peak by 2030. The report called for a "global energy peak by 2030. The report called for a "global energy revolution" to prepare mitigations by 2020 and avoid revolution" to prepare mitigations by 2020 and avoid "more difficult days" and large wealth transfers from "more difficult days" and large wealth transfers from OECD nations to oil producing nations.OECD nations to oil producing nations.[78][78] This This estimate was changed in 2009 to predict a peak by estimate was changed in 2009 to predict a peak by 2020, with severe supply-growth constraints beginning 2020, with severe supply-growth constraints beginning in 2010 (stemming from "patently unsustainable" in 2010 (stemming from "patently unsustainable" energy use and a lack of production investment) energy use and a lack of production investment) leading to rapidly increasing oil prices and an "oil leading to rapidly increasing oil prices and an "oil crunch" before the peak.crunch" before the peak.[122][122]

It has been noted that even a "plateau oil" scenario It has been noted that even a "plateau oil" scenario may cause socio-political disruption through extreme may cause socio-political disruption through extreme petroleum price instability.petroleum price instability.

How Long Will the Oil Party Last?How Long Will the Oil Party Last?The Hirsch Report The Hirsch Report

In 2005, the In 2005, the United States Department of EnergyUnited States Department of Energy published a report titled published a report titled Peaking of World Oil Peaking of World Oil Production: Impacts, Mitigation, & Risk ManagementProduction: Impacts, Mitigation, & Risk Management ..[136][136] Known as the Known as the Hirsch reportHirsch report, it stated, "The , it stated, "The peaking of world oil production presents the U.S. and peaking of world oil production presents the U.S. and the world with an unprecedented risk management the world with an unprecedented risk management problem. As peaking is approached, liquid fuel prices problem. As peaking is approached, liquid fuel prices and price volatility will increase dramatically, and, and price volatility will increase dramatically, and, without timely mitigation, the economic, social, and without timely mitigation, the economic, social, and political costs will be unprecedented. Viable mitigation political costs will be unprecedented. Viable mitigation options exist on both the supply and demand sides, options exist on both the supply and demand sides, but to have substantial impact, they must be initiated but to have substantial impact, they must be initiated more than a decade in advance of peaking."more than a decade in advance of peaking."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Department_of_Energy

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hirsch_report


In 2008, the IEA predicted a plateau by 2020 and a In 2008, the IEA predicted a plateau by 2020 and a peak by 2030. The report called for a "global energy peak by 2030. The report called for a "global energy revolution" to prepare mitigations by 2020 and avoid revolution" to prepare mitigations by 2020 and avoid "more difficult days" and large wealth transfers from "more difficult days" and large wealth transfers from OECD nations to oil producing nations.OECD nations to oil producing nations.[78][78] This This estimate was changed in 2009 to predict a peak by estimate was changed in 2009 to predict a peak by 2020, with severe supply-growth constraints beginning 2020, with severe supply-growth constraints beginning in 2010 (stemming from "patently unsustainable" in 2010 (stemming from "patently unsustainable" energy use and a lack of production investment) energy use and a lack of production investment) leading to rapidly increasing oil prices and an "oil leading to rapidly increasing oil prices and an "oil crunch" before the peak.crunch" before the peak.[122][122]

It has been noted that even a "plateau oil" scenario It has been noted that even a "plateau oil" scenario may cause socio-political disruption through extreme may cause socio-political disruption through extreme petroleum price instability.petroleum price instability.


1.1. World oil peaking is going to happen - some World oil peaking is going to happen - some forecasters predict within a decade, others later. forecasters predict within a decade, others later.

2.2. Oil peaking could cost economies dearly - particularly Oil peaking could cost economies dearly - particularly that of the U.S. that of the U.S.

3.3. Oil peaking presents a unique challenge - previous Oil peaking presents a unique challenge - previous transitions were gradual and evolutionary; oil peaking transitions were gradual and evolutionary; oil peaking will be abrupt and revolutionary. will be abrupt and revolutionary.

4.4. The real problem is liquid fuels for transportation - The real problem is liquid fuels for transportation - motor vehicles, aircraft, trains, and ships have no motor vehicles, aircraft, trains, and ships have no ready alternative. ready alternative.

5.5. Mitigation efforts will require substantial time - an Mitigation efforts will require substantial time - an intense effort over decades. intense effort over decades.


6.6. Both supply and demand will require attention - Both supply and demand will require attention - higher efficiency can reduce demand, but large higher efficiency can reduce demand, but large amounts of substitute fuels must be produced. amounts of substitute fuels must be produced.

7.7. It is a matter of risk management - early mitigation It is a matter of risk management - early mitigation will be less damaging than delayed mitigation. will be less damaging than delayed mitigation.

8.8. Government intervention will be required - otherwise Government intervention will be required - otherwise the economic and social implications would be the economic and social implications would be chaotic. chaotic.

9.9. Economic upheaval is not inevitable - without Economic upheaval is not inevitable - without mitigation, peaking will cause major upheaval, but mitigation, peaking will cause major upheaval, but given enough lead-time, the problems are soluble. given enough lead-time, the problems are soluble.

10.10. More information is needed - effective action requires More information is needed - effective action requires better understanding of a number of issues. better understanding of a number of issues.


We have We have three three options:options:

Look for more oil.Look for more oil.

Use or waste less oil.Use or waste less oil.

Use something else.Use something else.

Thunder Horse floating oil platform, Gulf of Mexico

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thunder_Horse

TYPES OF ENERGY RESOURCESTYPES OF ENERGY RESOURCES

Total Heat Energy!Total Heat Energy! About 99% of the energy About 99% of the energy we use for heat comes from the we use for heat comes from the sunsun and the and the other 1% comes mostly from burning fossil other 1% comes mostly from burning fossil fuels.fuels. Solar energy Solar energy indirectly supportsindirectly supports wind power, wind power,

hydropowerhydropower, and, and biomass. biomass.

About 76% of global About 76% of global commercial energycommercial energy use use comes from nonrenewable fossil fuels (oil, comes from nonrenewable fossil fuels (oil, natural gas, and coal) with the remainder natural gas, and coal) with the remainder coming from renewable sources.coming from renewable sources.

Fig. 15-3, p. 373

Nuclear power 6%

Geothermal, solar, wind 2.5%

Nuclear power 8%

Geothermal, solar, wind 1%Hydropower

4.5%

Coal 23%

Biomass 3%

Hydropower, 3%

Natural gas 23%

Natural gas 21%

Oil 33%

Oil 39%

Coal 22%

World United States

Biomass 11%

Nonrenewable energy resources and Nonrenewable energy resources and geothermal energy in the earth’s crust.geothermal energy in the earth’s crust.

Fig. 16-2, p. 357

OIL & NATURAL GASOIL & NATURAL GAS

Floating oil drilling platform Oil storage

COALCOAL

Contour strip miningOil drilling

platform on legs

GEOTHERMAL GEOTHERMAL ENERGYENERGY

Hot water storageOil well

Pipeline Geothermal power plant

Gas well Valves Mined coal

Pump Area strip mining Drilling

tower

Pipeline

Impervious rock

Underground coal mineNatural gasWaterOil

Water is heated and brought up as dry

steam or wet steamWater

Coal seam Hot rock

Water penetrates

down through the rock

Magma

NET ENERGYNET ENERGY Net energyNet energy is the amount of is the amount of high-quality high-quality

usable energyusable energy available from a resource after available from a resource after subtracting the energy usedsubtracting the energy used to make it to make it available.available.

Gross Energy – Energy Used = Net Energy

Net energyNet energy ratioratio is the ratio of “net energy” to is the ratio of “net energy” to “energy used”.“energy used”.

Net Energy/Energy Used = Net Energy Ratio

Net Energy Ratio <1 = Energy Loss!

Fig. 16-4, p. 358

Space HeatingSpace Heating

Passive solar 5.8Natural gas

Oil 4.5Active solar 1.9

Coal gasification 1.5Electric resistance heating (coal-fired plant) 0.4

0.4

Electric resistance heating (nuclear plant) 0.3

High-Temperature Industrial HeatHigh-Temperature Industrial Heat

28.2Surface-mined coalUnderground-mined coal 25.8

Natural gas 4.9Oil 4.7

Coal gasification 1.5Direct solar (highly concentrated by mirrors,

heliostats, or other devices)0.9

TransportationTransportation

Natural gas 4.9Gasoline (refined crude oil) 4.1

Biofuel (ethyl alcohol) 1.9Coal liquefaction 1.4

Oil shale 1.2

Electric resistance heating (natural-gas-fired plant)

4.9

Net Energy Ratios for Various Energy Systems over Their

Estimated Lifetimes

Fig. 15-A (1), p. 374

SPACE HEATING

Passive solar 5.8

Natural gas 4.9

Oil 4.5

Active solar 1.9

Coal gasification 1.5

Electric resistance heating (coal-fired plant) 0.4

Electric resistance heating (natural-gas-fired plant) 0.4

Electric resistance heating (nuclear plant)

0.3

Net Energy Ratios

Fig. 15-A (2), p. 374

High-Temperature Industrial Heat

Surface-mined coal 28.2Underground-mined coal 25.8

Natural gas 4.9Oil 4.7

Coal gasification 1.5Direct solar (concentrated) 0.9

Net Energy Ratios

Fig. 15-A (3), p. 374

TRANSPORTATION

Ethanol from sugarcane residue 8.0

Ethanol from switchgrass 5.4

Natural gas 4.9

Gasoline (refined crude oil) 4.1

Coal liquefaction 1.4

Oil shale 1.2

Ethanol from corn 1.1 (but can reach 1.5)

Net Energy Ratios

OILOIL Crude oilCrude oil (petroleum) is a thick liquid containing (petroleum) is a thick liquid containing

hydrocarbons that we extract from underground deposits hydrocarbons that we extract from underground deposits and separate into products such as gasoline, heating oil and separate into products such as gasoline, heating oil and asphalt.and asphalt.

Crude OilCrude Oil(Petroleum)(Petroleum)

Only Only 35-50%35-50% can be economically recovered can be economically recovered from a deposit.from a deposit.

As prices rise, about As prices rise, about 10-25%10-25% more can be more can be recovered from expensive recovered from expensive secondary extraction secondary extraction techniquestechniques (flushing well with steam or water) (flushing well with steam or water)• This lowers the net energy yield.This lowers the net energy yield.

We may be able to increase We may be able to increase economic recoveryeconomic recovery to 75% to 75% (Univ. of Alberta scientists working on using (Univ. of Alberta scientists working on using microorganisms to increase flow of heavy oil)microorganisms to increase flow of heavy oil)

Fig. 15-4b, p. 375

Oil Refinery

Refining crude oil:Refining crude oil: Based on Based on boiling boiling

pointspoints, components , components are removed at are removed at various layers in a various layers in a giant giant distillation distillation column.column.

The The most volatilemost volatile components with components with the the lowest boiling lowest boiling pointspoints are removed are removed at the top.at the top.

NextNext

Fig. 16-5, p. 359

Gases

Gasoline

Aviation fuel

Heating oil

Diesel oil

Naptha

Grease and wax

Asphalt

Heated crude oil

Furnace

Global OilGlobal Oil Thirteen Thirteen OPECOPEC (Organization of Petroleum (Organization of Petroleum

Exporting Countries) countries have at least Exporting Countries) countries have at least 60%60% of of the world’s proven oil reserves and most of the the world’s proven oil reserves and most of the world’s unproven reserves.world’s unproven reserves.

After After global production peaksglobal production peaks and begins a slow and begins a slow decline, decline, oil prices will riseoil prices will rise and could threaten the and could threaten the economies of countries that have not shifted to new economies of countries that have not shifted to new energy alternatives.energy alternatives.

Geologists expect Geologists expect global peak productionglobal peak production to occur to occur in in 5-38 years5-38 years, depending on the , depending on the assumptionsassumptions built built in to their in to their computer modelscomputer models..

Inflation-adjustedInflation-adjusted price of oil, 1950-2006. price of oil, 1950-2006.

Case Study: U.S. Oil SuppliesCase Study: U.S. Oil Supplies The The U.S.U.S. – the world’s largest oil user – has only – the world’s largest oil user – has only

2.4%2.4% of the world’s of the world’s proven oil reservesproven oil reserves..

U.S oil production U.S oil production peaked in 1974peaked in 1974 (halfway (halfway production point).production point).

The US The US importsimports about about 60%60% of our oil, 70% by 2020 of our oil, 70% by 2020

About About 60%60% of these U.S oil imports goes through of these U.S oil imports goes through refineriesrefineries in in hurricane-prone regions of the Gulf hurricane-prone regions of the Gulf Coast.Coast.

Alaska’s North Slope & Arctic National Alaska’s North Slope & Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR)Wildlife Refuge (ANWR)




Drill in Alaska?Drill in Alaska?

Alaska’s Alaska’s North SlopeNorth Slope oil reserves would meet oil reserves would meet current current global demand for 6 monthsglobal demand for 6 months or or US US demand for 3 years.demand for 3 years.

Alaska’s Alaska’s Arctic National Wildlife RefugeArctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) oil reserved would meet (ANWR) oil reserved would meet global global demand for 1-5 monthsdemand for 1-5 months or or US demand for 7-US demand for 7-24 months.24 months.

Fig. 15-5, p. 378

14

13

12

11

10 Projected U.S. oil consumption

9

8

7

6

5

Bar

rels

of

oil

per

yea

r (b

illi

on

s)

3

4

2Arctic refuge oil output over 50 years

1

0

2000 2010 2020 2030 2040 2050Year

Case Study: World Oil SuppliesCase Study: World Oil Supplies

Based on different sets of Based on different sets of assumptionsassumptions in in their computer models, geologists expect their computer models, geologists expect global crude oil productionglobal crude oil production to to peakpeak in the next in the next 5 to 38 years (Miller, 2009).5 to 38 years (Miller, 2009).

ChinaChina imports about 33%, 50% by 2010 imports about 33%, 50% by 2010

JapanJapan imports virtually 100% imports virtually 100%

EUEU imports 50%, 70% by 2020 imports 50%, 70% by 2020

OILOIL

Burning oil for Burning oil for transportationtransportation accounts for accounts for 43%43% of global COof global CO22

emissions.emissions.

Figure 16-7Figure 16-7

Fig. 16-7, p. 363

Trade-OffsConventional Oil

Advantages Disadvantages

Ample supply for

42–93 years (?)Need to find substitutes within 50 years

Low cost (with huge subsidies)

Artificially low price encourages waste and discourages search for alternatives

High net energy yield

Easily transported within and between countries

Air pollution when burnedLow land use

Releases CO2 when burned

Technology is well developed

Efficient distribution system Moderate water

pollution

COCO22 Emissions Emissions

COCO22 emissions emissions per unit of energy produced for per unit of energy produced for various energy resources, compared to coal various energy resources, compared to coal burned directly for industrial heat. burned directly for industrial heat.

NextNext

Fig. 16-8, p. 363

Coal-fired electricity

286%

Synthetic oil and gas produced from coal

150%

Coal100%

Oil sand92%

Natural gas58%

Oil86%

Nuclear power fuel cycle

17%

Geothermal10%

Heavy Oils:Heavy Oils:Oil SandsOil Sands

Oil sandsOil sands (a.k.a. tar (a.k.a. tar sands) contain a thick sands) contain a thick and sticky and sticky heavy oilheavy oil called called bitumenbitumen..

Oil SandsOil Sands Alberta, Canada Alberta, Canada has 75% of the world’s known reserves of has 75% of the world’s known reserves of

oil sands.oil sands. Remaining 25% in Venezuela, Colombia, Russia, & UtahRemaining 25% in Venezuela, Colombia, Russia, & Utah

Canadian & Venezuelan depositsCanadian & Venezuelan deposits exceed conventional oil exceed conventional oil depositsdeposits in Saudi Arabia and approach those of the entire in Saudi Arabia and approach those of the entire Middle East.Middle East.

In 2003, geologists started counting Canadian oil sands In 2003, geologists started counting Canadian oil sands along with along with conventional reservesconventional reserves, giving , giving Canada 15%Canada 15% of the of the world’s known reserves of crude oilworld’s known reserves of crude oil..

ChinaChina has invested in 2 Canadian oil sand companies, and has invested in 2 Canadian oil sand companies, and has built a pipeline from Alberta to shipping ports on the has built a pipeline from Alberta to shipping ports on the Pacific Coast (!)Pacific Coast (!)

Oil SandsOil Sands Producing crude oil from oil sands currently costs Producing crude oil from oil sands currently costs $13 per barrel$13 per barrel, compared to , compared to $1-2 per barrel$1-2 per barrel for Saudi oil and for Saudi oil and $7.50-$10$7.50-$10 per barrel in the per barrel in the

US.US.

Severe Severe environmental impactsenvironmental impacts from oil sands: from oil sands: Uses large volumes of waterUses large volumes of water Huge amounts of toxic sludgeHuge amounts of toxic sludge Large inputs of natural gasLarge inputs of natural gas Boreal forest turned to “moonscape”Boreal forest turned to “moonscape” Massive mounds of toxic Massive mounds of toxic tailingstailings

Heavy Oils:Heavy Oils:Oil ShalesOil Shales

Oil shales contain a waxy, Oil shales contain a waxy, solid,solid,

combustible mixture of combustible mixture of hydrocarbons called hydrocarbons called kerogenkerogen..


KerogenKerogen can be heated can be heated to yield a distillate to yield a distillate called called shale oilshale oil..

Oil ShalesOil Shales 50%50% of global oil shale reserves are in the Western US (USA: “the Saudi Arabia of oil shale”) of global oil shale reserves are in the Western US (USA: “the Saudi Arabia of oil shale”)

Green River FormationGreen River Formation in Wyoming, Utah, Colorado in Wyoming, Utah, Colorado Potentially Potentially 3x Saudi conventional3x Saudi conventional oil reserves oil reserves Could meet current US demands for Could meet current US demands for 110 years110 years..

Estimated Estimated global suppliesglobal supplies are about are about 240x global240x global conventional supplies. conventional supplies. Could meet Could meet 25% of global demand by 202025% of global demand by 2020 Low grade depositsLow grade deposits Energy, time, and money to convert kerogen to crude oilEnergy, time, and money to convert kerogen to crude oil Higher environmental impact than conventional oil extractionHigher environmental impact than conventional oil extraction

Shell Oil has the current best process for extracting shale oil Shell Oil has the current best process for extracting shale oil in situin situ

Heavy Oils from Oil Sand and Oil Heavy Oils from Oil Sand and Oil Shale: Will Sticky Black Gold Save Us?Shale: Will Sticky Black Gold Save Us? Heavy and tarlike oils from Heavy and tarlike oils from oil sandoil sand and and oil oil

shaleshale could supplement conventional oil, but could supplement conventional oil, but there are environmental problems.there are environmental problems. High sulfurHigh sulfur content (releases sulfur dioxide, SO content (releases sulfur dioxide, SO22)) Extracting and processing produces:Extracting and processing produces:

• Toxic sludgeToxic sludge• Uses and contaminates larges volumes of waterUses and contaminates larges volumes of water• Requires large inputs of natural gas which reduces net Requires large inputs of natural gas which reduces net

energy yield.energy yield.

Heavy OilsHeavy Oils

It takes about It takes about 1.8 metric 1.8 metric tons (2 US tons) of oiltons (2 US tons) of oil sand to produce one sand to produce one barrel of oil.barrel of oil.

NextNext

Fig. 16-10, p. 365

Trade-OffsHeavy Oils from Oil Shale

and Oil Sand Advantages Disadvantages

Moderate cost (oil sand)

High cost (oil shale)

Low net energy yield

Large potential supplies, especially oil sands in Canada

Large amount of water needed for processing

Easily transported within and between countries

Severe land disruption

Severe water pollutionEfficient

distribution system in place

Air pollution when burned

CO2 emissions when burned

Technology is well developed

NATURAL GASNATURAL GAS Natural gas, consisting mostly of Natural gas, consisting mostly of methanemethane, is often , is often

found found above reservoirs of crude oilabove reservoirs of crude oil.. When a natural gas-field is tapped, When a natural gas-field is tapped, propanepropane and and butane butane

gasses are gasses are liquefied and removedliquefied and removed as liquefied petroleum as liquefied petroleum gas gas (LPG).(LPG).

MethaneMethane is distributed through pressurized pipe lines as is distributed through pressurized pipe lines as a gas.a gas.

LP Gas

NATURAL GASNATURAL GAS USA- USA- imports 20%imports 20% of its natural gas of its natural gas

95%95% of US imports are from of US imports are from CanadaCanada

imports from Russia and the Middle east imports from Russia and the Middle east are expected to increaseare expected to increase

Natural Gas DistributionNatural Gas Distribution

Natural gas from oil wells far from gas distribution Natural gas from oil wells far from gas distribution systems is systems is “flared off”“flared off” rather than release CH rather than release CH44

Unconventional Natural GasUnconventional Natural Gas Coal bed methaneCoal bed methane

Trapped by Trapped by overlying aquifersoverlying aquifers Released for extraction by Released for extraction by pumping out waterpumping out water

• depletes aquifersdepletes aquifers• releases CHreleases CH44

• produces huge volumes of contaminated waterproduces huge volumes of contaminated water• degrades land with extraction infrastructure (pipes, sludge pits, etc.)degrades land with extraction infrastructure (pipes, sludge pits, etc.)

Controversy:Controversy: OpposedOpposed by ranchers, farmers, anglers, hunters, by ranchers, farmers, anglers, hunters,

conservationists conservationists DefendedDefended by energy companies: by energy companies:

• Reduces dependence on Canadian & eventually Russian CHReduces dependence on Canadian & eventually Russian CH44

• Produces less CO2 than coal and oil sandsProduces less CO2 than coal and oil sands

Unconventional Natural Gas:Unconventional Natural Gas:Methane HydratesMethane Hydrates

“Combustible ice”

Unconventional Natural GasUnconventional Natural Gas Methane hydrates-Methane hydratesmethane trapped in ice methane trapped in ice

crystals deep under the crystals deep under the arctic permafrostarctic permafrost and and beneath beneath deep-ocean sedimentsdeep-ocean sediments

1%1% of US deposits could of US deposits could double double our domestic our domestic supply of natural gassupply of natural gas

““Leaks” when brought to surfaceLeaks” when brought to surface Extraction could cause sea bed landslides/ Extraction could cause sea bed landslides/

tsunamistsunamis Bottom line: ample supplies, serious Bottom line: ample supplies, serious

environmental problemsenvironmental problems

NATURAL GASNATURAL GAS

Russia and IranRussia and Iran have almost half of the have almost half of the world’s reserves of conventional gas, and world’s reserves of conventional gas, and global reserves should last global reserves should last 62-125 years62-125 years.. Russia is the “Saudi Arabia of natural gas”Russia is the “Saudi Arabia of natural gas”

Natural gas is a Natural gas is a versatile and clean-burningversatile and clean-burning fuel, but it releases the greenhouse gases fuel, but it releases the greenhouse gases carbon dioxide (when burned) and methane carbon dioxide (when burned) and methane (from leaks) into the troposphere.(from leaks) into the troposphere. Methane is 21x more potent greenhouse gas Methane is 21x more potent greenhouse gas

than COthan CO22

NATURAL GASNATURAL GAS

Some analysts see Some analysts see natural gas as the natural gas as the best fuel to help us best fuel to help us make the transitionmake the transition to to improved energy improved energy efficiencyefficiency and greater and greater use of use of renewablerenewable energy.energy.


Fig. 16-11, p. 368

Trade-Offs

Conventional Natural Gas


Ample supplies (125 years) Nonrenewable resource

High net energy yieldReleases CO2 when burnedLow cost (with huge

subsidies)

Methane (a greenhouse gas) can leak from pipelines

Lower CO2 emissions than other fossil fuels

Difficult to transfer from one country to another

Moderate environmental impact Shipped across ocean as

highly explosive LNG

Easily transported by pipelineWithin a continent Sometimes burned off and

wasted at wells because of low priceLow land use

Good fuel for fuel cells and gas turbines Requires pipelines

Less air pollution than other fossil fuels

COALCOAL

Anthracite- “Hard Coal”

High heat, low sulfur

More rare, desirable, $$$$

Bituminous- “Soft Coal”

Lower heat, higher sulfur

More common, cheaper, polluting

COALCOAL

Coal is a solid fossil fuel that is formed in Coal is a solid fossil fuel that is formed in several stagesseveral stages as the buried remains of as the buried remains of land land plantsplants that lived that lived 300-400 million300-400 million years ago. years ago.


Fig. 16-12, p. 368

Highly desirable fuel because of its high heat content and low sulfur content;supplies are limited in most areas

Extensively usedas a fuel becauseof its high heat content and large supplies; normally has ahigh sulfur content

Low heat content;low sulfur content; limited supplies in most areas

Partially decayed plant matter in swamps and bogs; low heatcontent

Increasing heat and carbon content

Increasing moisture content

Peat(not a coal)

Lignite(brown coal)

Bituminous(soft coal)

Anthracite(hard coal)

Heat

Pressure

Heat

Pressure

Heat

Pressure

Stepped Art

Fig. 16-13, p. 369

Waste heat

Coal bunker TurbineCooling tower

transfers waste heat to

atmosphere

Generator

Cooling loop

Stack

Pulverizing mill

Condenser Filter

Boiler

Toxic ash disposal

Coal-fired power plant50% of US Electricity

COALCOAL Coal reserves in the United States, Russia, Coal reserves in the United States, Russia,

and China could last and China could last hundreds to over a hundreds to over a thousandthousand years. years.

The The U.S.U.S. has 27% of the world’s proven coal has 27% of the world’s proven coal reserves, followed by reserves, followed by RussiaRussia (17%), and (17%), and ChinaChina (13%).(13%).

In 2005, In 2005, ChinaChina and the and the U.S.U.S. accounted for 53% accounted for 53% of the global coal consumption.of the global coal consumption.• China opens a new large coal-burning power plant China opens a new large coal-burning power plant

every 10 daysevery 10 days

COALCOAL Globally:Globally:

62% of world electricity is generated by coal62% of world electricity is generated by coal 75% of the world’s steel is made by coal75% of the world’s steel is made by coal

USA Electricity Totals:USA Electricity Totals: 50% coal50% coal 20% nuclear20% nuclear 17% natural gas17% natural gas 10% renewables (mostly hydropower)10% renewables (mostly hydropower) 3% oil3% oil

COALCOAL ChinaChina gets 67% of it’s gets 67% of it’s energy from coalenergy from coal

IndiaIndia gets 50% of its gets 50% of its energy from coalenergy from coal

Result- Horrendous air Result- Horrendous air pollution in Asian citiespollution in Asian cities Up to 700,000 die per Up to 700,000 die per

year in China due to air year in China due to air pollutionpollution

COALCOAL

Underground minesUnderground mines Less damage to Less damage to

environmentenvironment More dangerous to More dangerous to

workersworkers• AccidentsAccidents• Black lung diseaseBlack lung disease

Surface minesSurface mines Area strip miningArea strip mining Contour mining Contour mining Mountaintop removalMountaintop removal

COALCOAL

Coal is the Coal is the most most abundant fossil fuelabundant fossil fuel

But compared to But compared to oil oil and natural gasand natural gas it is it is not as versatilenot as versatile, has , has a a high environmentalhigh environmental impact, and releases impact, and releases much more COmuch more CO22 into into

the troposphere.the troposphere.

NextNext

Fig. 16-14, p. 370

Trade-Offs

Coal


Ample supplies (225–900 years)

Severe land disturbance, air pollution, and water pollutionHigh net

energy yield

High land use (including mining)

Low cost(with huge subsidies)

Severe threat to human healthWell-developed

mining and combustion technology High CO2

emissions when burned

Air pollution can be reduced with improved technology (but adds to cost)

Releases radioactive particles and toxic mercury into air

Synfuels from CoalSynfuels from Coal

Coal can be converted into: Coal can be converted into: Synthetic natural gasSynthetic natural gas (SNG or syngas) (SNG or syngas) Liquid fuelsLiquid fuels (such as methanol or synthetic (such as methanol or synthetic

gasoline) that burn cleaner than coal.gasoline) that burn cleaner than coal.

CostsCosts are high. are high.

Burning them adds Burning them adds more COmore CO22 to the to the

troposphere than burning coal.troposphere than burning coal.

COALCOAL

Since Since COCO22 is not is not

regulated as an air regulated as an air pollutantpollutant and and costscosts are are high, U.S. coal-high, U.S. coal-burning plants are burning plants are unlikely to invest in unlikely to invest in coal gasificationcoal gasification..


Fig. 16-15, p. 371

Trade-Offs

Synthetic Fuels


Large potential supply

Low to moderate net energy yield

Higher cost than coal

Vehicle fuel Requires mining 50% more coal

High environmental impact

Moderate cost (with large government subsidies)

Increased surface mining of coal

High water useLower air pollution when burned than coal

Higher CO2 emissions than coal

NUCLEAR ENERGYNUCLEAR ENERGY

Three Mile Island, PA

1979: Three Mile Island1979: Three Mile Island Near Near Harrisburg, PAHarrisburg, PA March,1979: March,1979: Partial core meltdownPartial core meltdown WorstWorst nuclear accident in US history nuclear accident in US history For five days, officials talked of evacuation For five days, officials talked of evacuation Release of radioactive material has Release of radioactive material has never been linkednever been linked

to any human injuryto any human injury ““The accident was followed by essentially a 100% cessation of The accident was followed by essentially a 100% cessation of

nuclear construction in the US. The impact of news stories about nuclear construction in the US. The impact of news stories about the accident was no doubt a factor, but other factors were the the accident was no doubt a factor, but other factors were the availability of cheap natural gas, a transition away from availability of cheap natural gas, a transition away from manufacturing and toward importation of consumer products, manufacturing and toward importation of consumer products, and federal policies that tolerated air pollution in the interest of and federal policies that tolerated air pollution in the interest of keeping coal-fired electricity cheap.” keeping coal-fired electricity cheap.” -Wikipedia -Wikipedia

Uranium-235

Uranium-235

Uranium-235

Uranium-235

Uranium-235

Uranium-235

Uranium-235

Uranium-235

Uranium-235 Fig. 2-6, p. 28

Neutron

Uranium-235

Energy

Fissionfragment

Fissionfragment

n

n

n

n

n

n

Energy

Energy

Energy

Stepped Art

Nuclear fission chain reaction

NUCLEAR ENERGYNUCLEAR ENERGY When isotopes of When isotopes of uraniumuranium and and plutoniumplutonium

undergo undergo controlled nuclear fissioncontrolled nuclear fission, the , the resulting heat produces steam that spins resulting heat produces steam that spins turbines to generate electricity.turbines to generate electricity.

The enriched The enriched uranium oxideuranium oxide fuel consists of fuel consists of about about 97% nonfissionable uranium-23897% nonfissionable uranium-238 and and 3% fissionable uranium-2353% fissionable uranium-235..

The concentration of uranium-235 is increased The concentration of uranium-235 is increased through an through an enrichment process.enrichment process.• Natural uranium ore is 0.7% U-235Natural uranium ore is 0.7% U-235

NUCLEAR ENERGYNUCLEAR ENERGY Reactor core is fueled with uranium or plutonium Reactor core is fueled with uranium or plutonium

fuel rodsfuel rods Each fuel rod is packed with about 100 Each fuel rod is packed with about 100 fuel pelletsfuel pellets Each fuel pellet: Each fuel pellet:

is about 1/3 the size of a cigaretteis about 1/3 the size of a cigarette releases the energy equivalent of releases the energy equivalent of 1 ton of coal1 ton of coal or or 4 4

barrels of crude oilbarrels of crude oil

Control Rods absorb neutrons and keep the reaction under control

Control rod drive mechanisms move the control rods up and down as needed in response to reactor temp.

Nuclear Fuel RodsNuclear Fuel Rods

Fig. 16-18, p. 373

Decommissioning of reactorFuel assemblies

Reactor

Enrichment of UF6

From 0.7% to 3% U-235 Fuel fabricationFuel fabrication

(conversion of enriched UF(conversion of enriched UF66

to UOto UO22 and fabrication of and fabrication of

fuel assemblies)fuel assemblies) Temporary storage of Temporary storage of spent fuel assemblies spent fuel assemblies underwater or in dry underwater or in dry caskscasks

Conversion of U3O8 to UF6

Uranium-235 as UFUranium-235 as UF66

Plutonium-239 as PuOPlutonium-239 as PuO22

Spent fuel Spent fuel reprocessingreprocessing

Low-level radiation Low-level radiation with long half-lifewith long half-life

Geologic Disposal of moderate & high-

level radioactive wastes

Open fuel cycle (today)

“Closed” end fuel cycle

Nuclear Power Fuel Cycle

Closed Nuclear Fuel CycleClosed Nuclear Fuel Cycle Removing the plutonium-239 from nuclear Removing the plutonium-239 from nuclear

wastes in a wastes in a closed fuel cycleclosed fuel cycle would allow would allow nuclear wastes to be stored for 10,000 years nuclear wastes to be stored for 10,000 years instead of 240,000 years.instead of 240,000 years.

Plutonium-239 is then Plutonium-239 is then fed backfed back into the into the reactor as fuelreactor as fuel

Plutonium-239 could be Plutonium-239 could be stolenstolen by terrorists by terrorists and refined into bomb-grade plutoniumand refined into bomb-grade plutonium

NUCLEAR ENERGYNUCLEAR ENERGY Neutron absorbing materialNeutron absorbing material can vary: can vary:

Light Water Reactors (LWR)Light Water Reactors (LWR) use water with use water with “regular” H-1 isotopes of hydrogen.“regular” H-1 isotopes of hydrogen.• 100% of US nuclear power100% of US nuclear power• 85% of global nuclear power85% of global nuclear power

Heavy water reactorsHeavy water reactors use water with the “heavy” use water with the “heavy” isotope of hydrogen called deuterium, or H-2isotope of hydrogen called deuterium, or H-2

Graphite moderated reactorsGraphite moderated reactors can also produce can also produce fissionable fissionable plutonium-239plutonium-239 for use in nuclear for use in nuclear weaponsweapons

Fig. 16-13, p. 369

Waste heat

Coal bunker TurbineCooling tower

transfers waste heat to

atmosphere

Generator

Cooling loop

Stack

Pulverizing mill

Condenser Filter

Boiler

Toxic ash disposal

REVIEW! Coal-fired power plant50% of US Electricity

2 coolant loops

Fig. 16-16, p. 372

Small amounts of radioactive gases

Uranium fuel input (reactor core)

Control rodsContainment shell

Heat exchanger

Steam Turbine Generator

Waste heat

Electric power

Hot coolant

Useful energy 25%–30%Hot

water outputPumpPump

Coolant Pump Pump

Moderator

Cool water input

Waste heat(thermal pollution)

Shielding Pressure vessel

Coolant passage

Water CondenserPeriodic removal and storage of radioactive wastes and spent fuel assemblies

Periodic removal and storage of radioactive liquid wastes

Water source (river, lake, ocean)

Fission Reactor

20% of US electricity

3 coolant loops

Nuclear ReactorNuclear Reactor

The The containment vesselcontainment vessel is designed to is designed to prevent radioactive materials from escaping prevent radioactive materials from escaping in case of an in case of an internal explosioninternal explosion or or core core meltdown.meltdown.

Concrete reinforced with steelConcrete reinforced with steel

Protects from external threats like tornados, Protects from external threats like tornados, airplanes, or terroristsairplanes, or terrorists

Five Risks of Nuclear PowerFive Risks of Nuclear Power Radioactive Radioactive wasteswastes

AccidentsAccidents

Vulnerability to Vulnerability to terrorist attackterrorist attack

Proliferation of nuclear technology in the world Proliferation of nuclear technology in the world increases likelihood of increases likelihood of terrorists developing terrorists developing nuclear weaponsnuclear weapons

Decommissioning Decommissioning older plantsolder plants

NUCLEAR ENERGY: WastesNUCLEAR ENERGY: Wastes

After three or four After three or four years in a reactor, years in a reactor, spent fuel rodsspent fuel rods are are removed and stored removed and stored in a deep in a deep pool ofpool of waterwater contained in a contained in a steel-lined concrete steel-lined concrete container.container.


NUCLEAR ENERGY: WastesNUCLEAR ENERGY: Wastes

After spent fuel rods are cooled considerably in After spent fuel rods are cooled considerably in water, they are sometimes moved to water, they are sometimes moved to dry-dry-storage containersstorage containers made of steel or concrete. made of steel or concrete.

Short Term Radioactive Waste StorageShort Term Radioactive Waste Storage

Spent-fuel Spent-fuel poolspools or or caskscasks are not nearly as are not nearly as well protected as the reactor core.well protected as the reactor core. VulnerableVulnerable to acts of terrorism to acts of terrorism Long-term goal is to move spent fuel and other Long-term goal is to move spent fuel and other

radioactive wastes to radioactive wastes to underground storageunderground storage facilitiesfacilities for for 10,000 to 240,000 years10,000 to 240,000 years..

After After 50 years of nuclear power50 years of nuclear power, , no countryno country has has such an underground storage facility in operationsuch an underground storage facility in operation

The US has plans to open The US has plans to open Yucca MountainYucca Mountain in in 2015, but these plans have been stalled due 2015, but these plans have been stalled due to to local oppositionlocal opposition and and transportation safetytransportation safety issues.issues.

NUCLEAR ENERGY: WastesNUCLEAR ENERGY: Wastes Scientists disagree about the best methods for long-Scientists disagree about the best methods for long-

term storage of high-level radioactive waste:term storage of high-level radioactive waste: Shoot it into Shoot it into spacespace (abandoned: cost & risk of accident) (abandoned: cost & risk of accident) Bury it in the Bury it in the AntarcticAntarctic ice sheet ice sheet

(internationally banned)(internationally banned) Bury it in the Bury it in the deep-ocean floordeep-ocean floor that is geologically that is geologically

stablestable (internationally banned) (internationally banned) Feed it into deep ocean Feed it into deep ocean subduction zonessubduction zones

(internationally banned)(internationally banned) Change it into Change it into harmless or less harmful isotopesharmless or less harmful isotopes

(still no way to do this) (still no way to do this) Bury it deep Bury it deep undergroundunderground (most likely) (most likely)

Yucca Mountain, NevadaYucca Mountain, NevadaNational Nuclear Waste Disposal SiteNational Nuclear Waste Disposal Site

Scheduled to open in 2015, but….

Yucca Mountain, NVYucca Mountain, NV

Case Study: The Chernobyl Nuclear Case Study: The Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant Accident, 1986Power Plant Accident, 1986

Case Study: The Chernobyl Nuclear Case Study: The Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant AccidentPower Plant Accident

The world’s worst nuclear power plant accident The world’s worst nuclear power plant accident occurred in occurred in 1986 in Ukraine1986 in Ukraine, in a , in a partial reactor partial reactor meltdownmeltdown..

The disaster was caused by The disaster was caused by poor reactor designpoor reactor design and and human errorhuman error..

The initial fire burned for The initial fire burned for 10 days10 days.. Radioactive cloudsRadioactive clouds spread over much of Ukraine, spread over much of Ukraine,

Belarus, other parts of Europe, and eventually Belarus, other parts of Europe, and eventually encircled the planetencircled the planet Radioactive falloutRadioactive fallout was 400x the Hiroshima bomb was 400x the Hiroshima bomb

350,000 people had to abandon their homes350,000 people had to abandon their homes

Case Study: The Chernobyl Nuclear Case Study: The Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant AccidentPower Plant Accident

By 2005, 56 people had died from By 2005, 56 people had died from radiation radiation released.released.

In a UN study, 4,000 more deaths are In a UN study, 4,000 more deaths are expected from expected from thyroid cancerthyroid cancer and and leukemia.leukemia.

In many parts of Ukraine:In many parts of Ukraine: People still cannot drink the water or eat locally People still cannot drink the water or eat locally

grown fruits, vegetables, fish, meat, or milkgrown fruits, vegetables, fish, meat, or milk

Mothers do not breast feed their babies because Mothers do not breast feed their babies because their milk is contaminated by radioactivity.their milk is contaminated by radioactivity.

Risks of Nuclear Accident?Risks of Nuclear Accident?

The The US Nuclear Regulatory CommissionUS Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) estimates there is as 15%-45% (NRC) estimates there is as 15%-45% chance of a complete core meltdown at a US chance of a complete core meltdown at a US reactor in the next 20 years.reactor in the next 20 years.

The NRC also found that The NRC also found that 39 out of the 10339 out of the 103 reactors in the US have an 80% chance of reactors in the US have an 80% chance of containment shell failurecontainment shell failure from a meltdown or from a meltdown or explosion within the containment vessel.explosion within the containment vessel.

Nuclear TerrorismNuclear Terrorism Terrorists could attack nuclear power plants, Terrorists could attack nuclear power plants,

especially especially poorly protectedpoorly protected pools and casks that pools and casks that store store spent nuclear fuel rodsspent nuclear fuel rods..

Dirty Bombs-Dirty Bombs- Terrorists could wrap explosives Terrorists could wrap explosives around small amounts of radioactive materials that around small amounts of radioactive materials that are fairly easy to get, detonate such bombs, and are fairly easy to get, detonate such bombs, and contaminate large areas for decades.contaminate large areas for decades.

↑ ↑ nuclear knowledge → ↑ chance of terrorist bombnuclear knowledge → ↑ chance of terrorist bomb

DecommissioningDecommissioning When a nuclear reactor reaches the When a nuclear reactor reaches the end of its end of its

useful life useful life (40-year license), its highly radioactive (40-year license), its highly radioactive materials must be kept from reaching the materials must be kept from reaching the environment for thousands of years.environment for thousands of years.

At least At least 228228 large commercial reactors worldwide large commercial reactors worldwide (20 in the U.S.) are scheduled for (20 in the U.S.) are scheduled for retirement retirement by by 2012.2012. Many reactors are applying to Many reactors are applying to extentextent their 40-year their 40-year

license to 60 years.license to 60 years.

Aging reactors are subject to Aging reactors are subject to embrittlementembrittlement and and corrosion.corrosion.

Decommissioning OptionsDecommissioning Options

1.1. Dismantle entire plantDismantle entire plant and store large volumes of and store large volumes of radioactive waste at a high-security site for radioactive waste at a high-security site for thousands of years.thousands of years.

2.2. Set up a Set up a physical barrierphysical barrier around the entire plant around the entire plant with full time security for 30-100 years, then with full time security for 30-100 years, then dismantle (and store for thousands of years) after dismantle (and store for thousands of years) after radiation levels have fallen.radiation levels have fallen.

3.3. Enclose the entire plantEnclose the entire plant in a tomb that must last in a tomb that must last and be monitored for thousands of years.and be monitored for thousands of years.

What Happened to Nuclear Power?What Happened to Nuclear Power?

After more than After more than 50 years50 years of development and of development and enormous government subsidiesenormous government subsidies, nuclear , nuclear power has power has not lived up to its promisenot lived up to its promise because:because: Multi billion-dollar Multi billion-dollar construction costsconstruction costs.. Higher Higher operation costsoperation costs and more and more malfunctionsmalfunctions

than expected.than expected. Poor managementPoor management.. Public concernsPublic concerns about safety and about safety and stricter stricter

government safety regulations.government safety regulations.

Good Business?Good Business?

World Bank:World Bank: Nuclear power is too risky Nuclear power is too risky

ForbesForbes magazine magazine::

The failure of the US nuclear power program The failure of the US nuclear power program is “the largest managerial disaster in US is “the largest managerial disaster in US business history, involving $1 trillion in business history, involving $1 trillion in wasted investment and $10 billion in direct wasted investment and $10 billion in direct losses to stockholders”losses to stockholders”

Good Business?Good Business? No nuclear power plants have been ordered in the US No nuclear power plants have been ordered in the US

since 1978since 1978.. Until now! Plant Vogtle in Augusta has begun construction of a Until now! Plant Vogtle in Augusta has begun construction of a

new reactornew reactor

All 120 plantsAll 120 plants ordered in the US since 1973 have been ordered in the US since 1973 have been cancelled. (see above)cancelled. (see above)

A new-generation nuclear plant costs A new-generation nuclear plant costs 2-4 times2-4 times as much as much as a wind form or coal- or natural gas- powered plant.as a wind form or coal- or natural gas- powered plant.

Fig. 16-19, p. 376

Trade-Offs

Conventional Nuclear Fuel Cycle


Large fuel supply Cannot compete economically without huge government subsidies

Low environmental impact (without accidents) Low net energy yield

High environmental impact (with major accidents)

Emits 1/6 as much CO2 as coal

Catastrophic accidents can happen (Chernobyl)

Moderate land disruption and water pollution (without accidents)

No widely acceptable solution for long-term storage of radioactive wastes and decommissioning worn-out plants

Moderate land use

Low risk of accidents because of multiple safety systems (except for 15 Chernobyl-type reactors)

Subject to terrorist attacks

Spreads knowledge and technology for building nuclear weapons

NUCLEAR NUCLEAR ENERGYENERGY

A 1,000 megawatt A 1,000 megawatt nuclear plant is nuclear plant is refueled refueled once a once a yearyear, whereas a , whereas a 1,000 megawatt 1,000 megawatt coal plant coal plant requires requires 80 rail 80 rail cars a day.cars a day.


Fig. 16-20, p. 376

Coal vs. Nuclear

Trade-Offs

Coal Nuclear

Ample supply Ample supply of uranium

High net energy yield Low net energy yield

Very high air pollutionLow air pollution (mostly from fuel reprocessing)

High CO2 emissions Low CO2 emissions (mostly from fuel reprocessing)

High land disruption from surface mining Much lower land disruption

from surface mining

Low cost (with huge subsidies) High cost (even with huge subsidies)

High land use Moderate land use

NUCLEAR ENERGYNUCLEAR ENERGY

Building more nuclear power plants Building more nuclear power plants will not will not lessen dependence on imported oillessen dependence on imported oil and and will will not reduce COnot reduce CO22 emissions as much as other emissions as much as other

alternatives.alternatives. The The nuclear fuel cyclenuclear fuel cycle contributes to CO contributes to CO22


Wind turbines, solar cells, geothermal energy, Wind turbines, solar cells, geothermal energy, and hydrogen contributes much less to COand hydrogen contributes much less to CO22


New and Safer Reactors?New and Safer Reactors?

Pebble bed Pebble bed modular reactor modular reactor (PBMR) are (PBMR) are smaller reactorssmaller reactors that minimize the that minimize the chances of chances of runaway chain runaway chain reactions.reactions.


Fig. 16-21, p. 380

Each pebble contains about 10,000 uranium dioxide particles the size of a pencil point.

Pebble detailSilicon carbide

Pyrolytic carbon

Porous buffer

Uranium dioxide

Graphite shell Helium

TurbineGenerator

Pebble

Core Hot water output

RecuperatorReactor vessel Water

cooler

Cool water input

New and Safer Reactors?New and Safer Reactors? Some opposeSome oppose the pebble reactor due to: the pebble reactor due to:

Lack of containment shellLack of containment shell would make it easier for would make it easier for terrorists to blow it up or steal radioactive material.terrorists to blow it up or steal radioactive material.

A A crackcrack in the reactor could release radioactivity. in the reactor could release radioactivity.

The The design has been rejecteddesign has been rejected by UK and by UK and Germany for safety reasons.Germany for safety reasons.

Creates Creates higher amount of nuclear wastehigher amount of nuclear waste and and increases increases waste storagewaste storage expenses. expenses.

Neutron

+

Hydrogen-2(deuterium nucleus)

Hydrogen-3(tritium nucleus)

+

Proton Neutron

100Million

oC

Energy

+

Helium-4 nucleus

ProductsReaction

ConditionsFuel

+

Nuclear Fusion: MUCH safer, but no net energy yet

Energy from Nuclear Fusion?Energy from Nuclear Fusion? Nuclear fusionNuclear fusion is a nuclear change in which is a nuclear change in which

two isotopes are forced together.two isotopes are forced together. No riskNo risk of meltdown or radioactive releasesof meltdown or radioactive releases.. May also be used to May also be used to breakdown toxic materialbreakdown toxic material.. Still in Still in laboratory stageslaboratory stages.. May be ready by May be ready by 2100,2100, if then. if then.

There is a disagreement over whether to There is a disagreement over whether to phase out nuclear power or keep this option phase out nuclear power or keep this option open in case other alternatives do not pan open in case other alternatives do not pan out.out.

How Would You Vote?How Would You Vote?

Should nuclear power be phased out in the Should nuclear power be phased out in the country where you live over the next 20 to 30 country where you live over the next 20 to 30 years?years?

a. No. In many countries, there are no suitable a. No. In many countries, there are no suitable energy alternatives to nuclear fission.energy alternatives to nuclear fission.

b. Yes. Nuclear fission is too expensive and b. Yes. Nuclear fission is too expensive and produces large quantities of very dangerous produces large quantities of very dangerous radioactive wastes. radioactive wastes.

Updates OnlineUpdates Online

The latest references for topics covered in this section can be found at The latest references for topics covered in this section can be found at the book companion website. Log in to the book’s e-resources page at the book companion website. Log in to the book’s e-resources page at www.thomsonedu.com to access InfoTrac articles. www.thomsonedu.com to access InfoTrac articles.

InfoTrac: Spent nuclear fuel edges closer to Yucca. InfoTrac: Spent nuclear fuel edges closer to Yucca. The Christian The Christian Science MonitorScience Monitor, July 27, 2006 p03., July 27, 2006 p03.

InfoTrac: Pollution From Chinese Coal Casts Shadow Around InfoTrac: Pollution From Chinese Coal Casts Shadow Around Globe. Keith Bradsher; David Barboza. Globe. Keith Bradsher; David Barboza. The New York TimesThe New York Times, , June 11, 2006 pA1(L).June 11, 2006 pA1(L).

InfoTrac: A Renewable Source, and Clean, But Not Without Its InfoTrac: A Renewable Source, and Clean, But Not Without Its Critics. Heather Timmons. Critics. Heather Timmons. The New York TimesThe New York Times, August 3, 2006 , August 3, 2006 pC1(L).pC1(L).

National GeographicNational Geographic: Half-Life: The Lethal Legacy of America’s : Half-Life: The Lethal Legacy of America’s Nuclear WasteNuclear Waste

Nuclear Energy InstituteNuclear Energy Institute Union of Concerned Scientists: EthanolUnion of Concerned Scientists: Ethanol

Video: Nuclear FalloutVideo: Nuclear Fallout

This video clip is available in CNN Today This video clip is available in CNN Today Videos for Environmental Science, 2004, Videos for Environmental Science, 2004, Volume VII. Instructors, contact your local Volume VII. Instructors, contact your local sales representative to order this volume, sales representative to order this volume, while supplies last.while supplies last.

Video: Kyoto ProtocolVideo: Kyoto Protocol

This video clip is available in CNN Today This video clip is available in CNN Today Videos for Environmental Science, 2004, Videos for Environmental Science, 2004, Volume VII. Instructors, contact your local Volume VII. Instructors, contact your local sales representative to order this volume, sales representative to order this volume, while supplies last.while supplies last.


To conduct an instant in-class survey using a classroom response To conduct an instant in-class survey using a classroom response system, access “JoinIn Clicker Content” from the PowerLecture main system, access “JoinIn Clicker Content” from the PowerLecture main menu for Living in the Environment. menu for Living in the Environment.

Do the advantages of relying on conventional Do the advantages of relying on conventional oil as the world’s major energy resource oil as the world’s major energy resource outweigh its disadvantages? outweigh its disadvantages? a. No. The environmental, political, and economic a. No. The environmental, political, and economic

costs of petroleum are too high.costs of petroleum are too high. b. Yes. Petroleum is needed until suitable b. Yes. Petroleum is needed until suitable

alternatives can be developed and alternatives can be developed and commercialized. commercialized.


To conduct an instant in-class survey using a classroom response To conduct an instant in-class survey using a classroom response system, access “JoinIn Clicker Content” from the PowerLecture main system, access “JoinIn Clicker Content” from the PowerLecture main menu for Living in the Environment. menu for Living in the Environment.

Should coal use be phased out over the next Should coal use be phased out over the next 20 years?20 years? a. No. Coal is an abundant energy source and a. No. Coal is an abundant energy source and

we should continue to develop clean ways to use we should continue to develop clean ways to use it.it.

b. Yes. Mining and combusting coal create b. Yes. Mining and combusting coal create serious environmental impacts. serious environmental impacts.

Chapter 16 Nonrenewable Energy

Documents

oil party

peak oil

world oil demand

oil crunch

plateau oil scenario

increasing oil prices

world demand

hirsch report