Peaceful use of atomic energy began in the 40s of the XX century. Since then, hundreds of nuclear power plants have been built, and some have managed to become notorious - Fukushima, Chernobyl. Why is it profitable to use nuclear power plants?
- Low cost of energy production
- No harmful emissions
- Cheap delivery of fuel to the speaker.
Along with the undeniable advantages, the main disadvantage is the danger to which the planet is exposed in the event of an accident at a nuclear power plant and fuel leakage. The main thing that worries the minds of modern designers is compliance with safety standards in the construction of stations using nuclear fuel in order to avoid the mistakes of the past and anticipate the still unexplored.
Let's discuss the rating of the most powerful nuclear power plants in the world.
Kashiwazaki-Kariwa Nuclear Power Plant, Japan
The Japanese nuclear power plant reached the maximum capacity level of 8212 MW in 2010 and became the most powerful in the world. In 2007, a number of emergency situations caused by an earthquake occurred at the station. After the completion of the restoration work, it was decided to reduce the capacity, not exceeding the mark of 8,000 MW. In connection with the tragedy at Fukushima, the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear power plant was forcibly suspended for inspections, after which it was re-launched.
Bruce Nuclear Power Plant, Canada
On Lake Huron in Canada is the largest nuclear power plant in North America "Bruce". The station occupies an unprecedented area of almost 1000 hectares. The nuclear power plant operates on 8 reactors, issuing a capacity of 6232 MW.
Zaporizhzhya NPP, Ukraine
Until 2000, until the Canadian Bruce accelerated, the Zaporozhye nuclear power plant was the second largest in the world, the most powerful in Europe and the former USSR. Today it ranks third and reaches 6,000 MW. The nuclear power plant was built on the shore of the Kakhovka reservoir and creates jobs for 11 thousand people.
Hanul Nuclear Power Plant, South Korea
In Korea, there are two nuclear power plants, the capacity of which is approximately the same and is 5900 MW - "Hanul" and "Hanbiyev". "Hanul" is notable for the fact that the Koreans announced their intention to disperse the station to 8700 MW.
Gravelin NPP, France
In total, more than 50 nuclear reactors operate at all nuclear power plants in France. The largest nuclear power plant in France is Gravelin. It operates on 6 reactors and produces 5460 MW of power. The French government is puzzled by the development of the nuclear sphere and actively finances the industry.
Paluel NPP, France
Another Frenchwoman is the Paluel nuclear power plant. Its capacity reaches 5320 MW. The peculiarity of the station is that almost all the residents of the nearest commune work at the nuclear power plant.
Okhi NPP, Japan
The safest station, which does not have a single emergency situation for all the time of existence - the Japanese nuclear power plant "Okhi". The nuclear power plant operates on four reactors, which reach4,494 MW of power. After the tragedy at Fukushima, all Japanese nuclear power plants were stopped to check the serviceability of the equipment. "Okhi" showed itself from the best side and was the first to return to work.
Palo Verde NPP, USA
The American nuclear power plant operates on three reactors, the total capacity of which is almost 4174 MWtons. An unusual solution with the placement of the station is surprising - there is no reservoir nearby, the water of which can be used to cool the reactors. Engineers decided to use wastewater in the immediate vicinity - a bold and risky idea.
Balakovo NPP, Russia
Balakovskaya , the most powerful nuclear power plant in Russia - is located on the shore of the Saratov reservoir. Three reactors with a total capacity of 4000 MWareused to generate energy. All research of the latest developments in the field of nuclear fuel takes place at the station. Having passed the test at the Balakovo NPP, innovations are introduced at other stations in the country and abroad.
Hamaoka NPP, Japan
The Japanese nuclear power plant "Hamaoka" is located on the island of Honshu. Despite the fact that the station has 5 reactors, only 3 with a capacity of 3617 MWare used in operation. Two reactors were shut down in connection with the events at Fukushima and in order to prevent such tragedies.
The infamous Chernobyl nuclear power plant had a chance to become the most powerful in the world and reach 6,000 MW. At the time of the accident, 4 reactors with a capacity of 4,000 MWwere operating at the station. The glory of the championship of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant shared with the Leningrad and Kursk nuclear power plants.
