This process involves adding a small amount of a fissile material, such as uranium-235 or plutonium-239, to the reactor core.
Challenges and Limitations
Boosting the uranium-235 concentration is not without its challenges and limitations.
Instead, it undergoes a process called nuclear fission, where the nucleus of the uranium atom splits into two smaller nuclei, releasing a massive amount of energy in the process.
Nuclear Fission
Nuclear fission is a process in which the nucleus of an atom splits into two or more smaller nuclei, releasing a significant amount of energy in the process.
The process of storing and cooling the spent fuel has become increasingly complex over time. Since the 1960s, the focus has shifted from centralized power plants to modular nuclear reactors. This shift is driven by the need for enhanced safety, reduced waste, and improved fuel efficiency. Modular nuclear reactors are designed to be more compact, efficient, and flexible, allowing for easier operation and maintenance. They also have the potential to reduce waste generation by up to 90%. Modular nuclear reactors are smaller and more compact than traditional centralized power plants.