Is Texas Energy Building Nuclear Power Plants A Good Decision?
Nuclear energy is any nuclear technology designed to obtain power that can be utilised from radioactive nuclei through atomic reactions. The only method that is utilised currently is through radioactive fission although other methods might be used one day. The power is obtained through splitting atoms in a radioactive reactor. The electricity that is generated is through an electric power plant with turbines that are powered by steam from a reactor by extreme heat. Currently there are over 104 nuclear reactors across America and 4 Texas energy plants.
The number of atomic stations is rising in number across the nation and are responsible for about 10% of the electricity used in Texas alone. It was calculated that 34.6 million megawatt-hours of power from radioactive energy was amassed in the first 10 months of 2009. This is a worrying figure because it meant that the region was fifth in the nation for producing radioactive power.
Many residents believe that there are safer methods such as wind and solar energy rather than atomic. However authorities disagree and believe that there is not enough wind or solar power to generate enough electricity. There has been much debate and discussions over the usage of radioactive energy throughout America.
The project itself will lead to environmental problems as well as potential terrorist threats. Officials believe that power sourced from wind and solar sources are not efficient enough or do not provide a cost efficient way to meet the city’s huge demands. A letter was written on June 19th, 2006 to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to construct two 1,358-MWe Advanced Boiling Water Reactors (ABWRs) at the South Texas Project site. The following year NRG Energy filed full application with the NRC to construct two Toshiba AWRs. This was the first application sent since 1979.
Residents are angered that the total cost of constructing these two reactors will be 10 billion dollars. This price is huge and will require a large amount of funding which might consist of resident taxes. Not only will this cost financially it will also add to climate change conditions.
If the economic concerns of a failing market persist then building an atomic power station in Texas might not be a good idea. Currently Texas has 4 nuclear power stations in the area and there are more planned. Should plans go ahead it could affect the already falling market of economy within Texas.
About the author: Jerry Dyess has been involved in the Texas Energy market segment for the past 7 years. He has published many articles on Texas Power rates.
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