When history looks back on the advent of nuclear energy, Chicago gleams in the distant aura of that same history. Home to the world’s first nuclear reactor – “The Chicago Pile -1”, Chicago shares a rich history with the post-war Nuclear world.
Dr. Enrico Fermi’s project under an abandoned stadium ground is one of the first places to usher in the nuclear age that is seen today. Nuclear energy may not have the tasteful reputation of being “safe”; however, it is one of the leading sources of renewable energy.
With an international stand that encourages peaceful civil usage, nuclear power is on its way to change the course of the future.
What Is Nuclear Energy?
Nuclear energy is a renewable source of energy that is obtained from a scientific process called fission. The power is released and harnessed by the collision of two uranium atoms. Nuclear power does not use any fuel, and therefore it does not produce any harmful gases that can damage the environment.
Our environment gets much less radiation from nuclear power when compared to other significant sources of energy. The capacity factor, or the time taken to produce energy of it is much higher than the fossil fuels as well as other renewable sources of energy.
How Is Nuclear Energy Harnessed to Produce Electricity?
Sizeable nuclear power stations harness nuclear energy through nuclear fission. The energy that is released is then directed to turbines which can harness electricity from the process. Nuclear power is one of the most potent sources of electricity generation.
One gram of Uranium can produce up to 1MW of energy, which is approximately equal to 3 tons of coal or about 600 gallons of fuel oil per day. However, there is no release of harmful gases that damage the environment as opposed to chemical reactions of conventional fuel sources.
What Is Chicago’s Tryst With Nuclear Power Plants?
Illinois is one of the largest exporter as well as the largest producer of nuclear-generated electricity accounting for one-eighth of the total power generation of the country.
In 2019, the state had generated more than half the percentage of electricity through its six power plants and 11 reactors. The state also provided zero-emission credits and other incentives to sustain the electricity plants.
Chicago continues to benefit through the nuclear program. Nuclear power is one of the main reasons why Chicago Electricity Rates do not skyrocket. This makes the windy city extremely liveable in terms of the cost of living.
The model in Chicago is finding a lot of popularity, and it is one of the main reasons why after electricity deregulation in Texas, Corpus Christi Electricity Rates have lowered down for people opting for a more renewable power supply.
Chicago has led the frontlines with its encouragement and support offered to nuclear power plants. The state of Illinois had provided zero-emission credits to help sustain two major power plants. This reflects the faith and the commitment that is put into the sector by the various stakeholders of the society, chiefly the government and the people.
Many people wonder why Chicago opted to align its history with one of the most controversial energy sources and yet managed to turn it into success. The reason behind this is increasingly economical.
Nuclear power generation may take an initial cost of setting up, but the functionality and maintenance of the power plant require less than half the cost that is spent on conventional fuel sources.
Besides this, there are little or no emissions in the nuclear power plant that could potentially harm the environment making it relatively ecological than any other energy source.
Most importantly, nuclear power’s byproduct- which is plutonium-itself can be used for energy generation. This, therefore, makes it a relatively better choice.
How Does the Future of Energy Sector Pan Out?
Nuclear power has a boundless capacity for sustaining present and future power generation needs. It can contribute twice in terms of power generation capacity as compared to other sources such as natural gas, oil, and coal.
Furthermore, reports by World Nuclear Association suggest that nuclear power currently provides more than 10% of the world electricity demands, with more than 18% in OECD countries itself. This is an exhilarating prospect in itself.
Ever since our world has shifted paradigms to accommodate more eco-friendly ways, most organizations have predicted an increment in the contribution of nuclear powers in the future.
Nuclear power not only impresses in its power generation abilities but it also more than suffices in terms of costs. The future sources of energy must be such that it can accommodate anybody regardless of their income capacities.
As more people voice out for economic sources, a look at all other sustainable energy sources has failed to check the box. These sources are either too expensive or do not have enough wattage to complement the growing needs of the future.
Thus, the future of the energy sector relies on nuclear energy because, in contemporary times, the population rate is staggering. Therefore, it is becoming increasingly challenging to make sure that needs are catered to, and the development process is not hindered.
The problems with existing sources are boundless, and they are not ending anytime soon. The ruling fear is that power might hinder the development process around the world. It is the energy sector that carried the industrialization process in the 18th century and the automation process of the 21st century on its shoulders.
At the cusp of a new world order where we are looking at tangential transcendence from primitive industrial processes, the power generation is required for much more than mere lighting of a bulb.
Unfazed though, Chicago bears the brunt of the promise to carry on the legacy of nuclear power generation’s future. Not only does it more than suffice in satisfying our needs, but it also ensures that sustainable development can be realized through a practical model approach.
The energy sector has been revolutionized by leaps and bounds with the advent of nuclear power. Nuclear power has the capacity to answer all the woes plaguing the new energy sector. As the search for a stable renewable source of power rages on, nuclear power generation capacities may hold the key to limitless opportunities.