Nuclear power plants are an important source of electrical energy. At the moment there are more than 400 nuclear power plants (NPP) all over the world, which produce more than 10% of the world's electricity. The share can range from just few percent in some countries up and to 75% as in France. The Krško Nuclear Power Plant produces almost 40% of the electrical energy in Slovenia.
The development of nuclear technology had a promising beginning in the 50s. As years went by the enthusiasm started to diminish. After the Three Mile Island and Chernobyl accidents it even turned into rejection. Nevertheless the nuclear power plants represent the third biggest source of electricity production (after thermal and hydro-electric plants) on the world.
Different Types of Nuclear Power Plants
Nuclear Power Plants (NPP) differ from each other mostly by the type of nuclear reactor used.
The most common types of NPPs are:
Graphite is used as the moderator and carbon dioxide is used as coolant. Hot CO2 heats up and boils water into steam that drives the turbine. more [...]
Fast breeder reactor doesn’t need a moderator. The primary and the secondary coolant is liquid sodium. Secondary coolant flows through the steam generator which produces steam to drive the turbine. more [...]
