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AnswerGoing out on a limb on this one, but I'm going to assume that this is because of the consistent radiation. Even though there are many precautions and protective materials used to shield the reactor off from the rest of the environment, small amounts of escaped radioactive materials eventually build up over time. At some point in time, the radons per minute radiating from the core will reach an unacceptable level for workers to be living in. Therefore, a new plant must be built, and hopefully to last longer and perform better than the previous endeavor. AnswerTo start with, most things don't last that long. Cars certainly do not last 40 to 50 years without very special care and low usage. Chemical plants, manufacturing plants and so on do not last. Metals corrode, cement softens and corrodes, wood rots, and parts crystallize and break. Things that move wear out; things that don't move are worn out. Even such a simple thing as a chair or table is likely not to last that long. In addition, where technology is important, it gets old pretty quickly; computers typically last only three to five years because they become obsolete in that time, even if they function as designed.

Nuclear power plants have some special problems that other types of operations do not. The radiation in the reactors causes changes to anything it can reach. The neutrons in the reactors can actually change the elements of atoms, and so affect the materials of the reactors themselves. Iron, for example, can be turned into cobalt, changing the nature of the alloys in the reactor. But more importantly, neutron radiation moves atoms in alloys around, causing the metals to become brittle or swell.

A nuclear plant is not a simple thing. The complexity itself is an issue to how long it can last. It can become uneconomical to make repairs that sound like simple matters because nothing in a nuclear plant is simple. I have been told by a person directly involved with a plant closing unexpectedly (but not as an emergency) that the reason was that it was found an electric line had to be moved, and it was estimated that doing so would cost more than the plant was worth.

Added to these problems, the nature of a nuclear plant is such that if it is not safe, it is very, very dangerous. And at some point, as something ages, it becomes a question of how safe it is, even if we have no reason to know it is unsafe. So even if a leaky pipe gets replaced, for example, we have to ask how safe all the other pipes in the plant are. And at such a point, we have to ask whether the plant itself is safe as a whole.

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What waste problems of nuclear power plants is NOT a problem with a coal-burning power plant?

Nuclear power plants produce radioactive waste, which remains hazardous for thousands of years, unlike the waste produced by coal-burning power plants. Coal plants generate larger quantities of more immediate pollutants like sulfur dioxide, mercury, and particulate matter, which can have significant health and environmental impacts.


What is the source of energy in nuclear power plants?

The source of energy in almost all nuclear power plants is fission or the splitting of the atom. There are a few experimental fusion power plants, (or the joining of the atoms), but, there are few of them, since the energy needed to produce fusion is extremly high, and only last a few seconds. Around 99.99% of nuclear power plants are fission power plants.


Should nuclear power be used?

Nuclear power is cleaner. · The problem of radioactive waste is still an unsolved one. The waste from nuclear energy is extremely dangerous and it has to be carefully looked after for several thousand years (10'000 years according to United States Environmental Protection Agency standards).· High risks: Despite a generally high security standard, accidents can still happen. It is technically impossible to build a plant with 100% security. A small probability of failure will always last. The consequences of an accident would be absolutely devastating both for human being as for the nature (see here , here or here ). The more nuclear power plants (and nuclear waste storage shelters) are built, the higher is the probability of a disastrous failure somewhere in the world.· Nuclear power plants as well as nuclear waste could be preferred targets for terrorist attacks. No atomic energy plant in the world could withstand an attack similar to 9/11 in Yew York. Such a terrorist act would have catastrophic effects for the whole world.· During the operation of nuclear power plants, radioactive waste is produced, which in turn can be used for the production of nuclear weapons. In addition, the same know-how used to design nuclear power plants can to a certain extent be used to build nuclear weapons (nuclear proliferation).· The energy source for nuclear energy is Uranium. Uranium is a scarce resource, its supply is estimated to last only for the next 30 to 60 years depending on the actual demand.· The time frame needed for formalities, planning and building of a new nuclear power generation plant is in the range of 20 to 30 years in the western democracies. In other words: It is an illusion to build new nuclear power plants in a short time.Sustainability: Is nuclear energy sustainable?For several reasons, nuclear power is neither «green» nor sustainable:· Both the nuclear waste as well as retired nuclear plants are a life-threatening legacy for hundreds of future generations. It flagrantly contradicts with the thoughts of sustainability if future generations have to deal with dangerous waste generated from preceding generations. See also here . · Uranium, the source of energy for nuclear power, is available on earth only in limited quantities. Uranium is being «consumed» (i.e. converted) during the operation of the nuclear power plant so it won't be available any more for future generations. This again contradicts the principle of sustainability.Nuclear Power Plant Accidents and Terrorism· According to the Union of Concerned Scientists, regulated safety procedures are not being followed to ensure that nuclear power plants are safe. Even if all safety precautions are followed, it is no guarantee that a nuclear power plant accident will not occur. If a nuclear power plant accident occurs, the environment and surrounding people could be exposed to high levels of radiation. Terrorism threats are another concern that needs to be addressed. A satisfactory plan to protect nuclear power plants from terrorism is not in place.


What is the lifespan of the power plant?

Nuclear plants are typically licensed initially for about 40 years, however licenses have been extended as long as 60 years. The design lifespan for most structures (e.g. bridges, dam, highways, buildings) has always been estimated at 40 to 50 years, good maintenance can extend that somewhat. A nuclear power plant is no different, except that radiation damage to the core and primary cooling system components must also be accounted for its possible effects on possibly shortening the lifespan.


How long does powered nuclear ships fuel last?

This information is classified in most cases; however, it is safe to say that a typical nuclear ship has enough fuel to last for many many years. It varies depending on the country of manufacture, and the type of nuclear vessel you're referring to.

Related Questions

Why have you been able to build nuclear power plants for only the last fifty years?

We don't have the technology to make it last longer.


Was there any people exposed to radiation material in the last thirty years in any of the Ontario nuclear power plants?

yes thats how bigfoot was created


What waste problems of nuclear power plants is NOT a problem with a coal-burning power plant?

Nuclear power plants produce radioactive waste, which remains hazardous for thousands of years, unlike the waste produced by coal-burning power plants. Coal plants generate larger quantities of more immediate pollutants like sulfur dioxide, mercury, and particulate matter, which can have significant health and environmental impacts.


How long will nuclear power last before it runs out?

About 100 years.


What is the source of energy in nuclear power plants?

The source of energy in almost all nuclear power plants is fission or the splitting of the atom. There are a few experimental fusion power plants, (or the joining of the atoms), but, there are few of them, since the energy needed to produce fusion is extremly high, and only last a few seconds. Around 99.99% of nuclear power plants are fission power plants.


How many nuclear power plants do you have in the us that are active?

No new nuclear plants have been built in the US in the past 20 years. The Watts Bar plant was licenced in 1996, but had been built much earlier. The last plant actually built was the River Bend plant in Louisiana, which was licenced in 1986.


When was the last nuclear power plant built in Georgia?

The last nuclear power plant built in Georgia, USA, was the Alvin W. Vogtle facility in Burke county, Georgia. It is a two unit Westinghouse PWR, completed in 1987 (Unit I) and 1989 (Unit II), rated 1215 MWe each. There are no nuclear power plants in Georgia, the country.


What types of alternative energy is used in Iowa?

Iowa's main source of energy is nuclear power. There are over 50 nuclear stations called mps (nuclear power station). And has only had 50 accidents in teh last ten years!


Is nuclear energy a solution tothe energy crisis?

It is an alternative, but nuclear power plants are not 100% safe and are prone to radiation leaks (especially during man made or natural calamities). It is a solution as long as it works, but can be a problem of immeasurable proportions if a disaster happens. Radioactivity from malfunctioning and damaged plants can stay around for years and years. And there is the question of disposing spent fuel. Until we know to harness nuclear energy safely, it should be one of the last choices.


What are the economic disadvantages of nuclear power?

Disadvantages of Nuclear Power:· Nuclear Power generates radiation, which can be harmful or even fatal to infected people.· A nuclear meltdown can occur which will release massive amounts of radiation into the community.· Extremely radioactive nuclear waste is produced by nuclear power plants. This stuff can't be just thrown out. The US plans to move all its nuclear was to an underground dump by the year 2010. Currently it is stored in the plants.· Nuclear waste dumps can spontaneously combust without warning.· Nuclear reactors only last for about forty to fifty years, so where they are extremely productive, they break down and are costly to replace.· There are international dangers too. Some reactors produce plutonium which can be used to make nuclear weapons. If the whole world were to use these, they would have unlimited access to nuclear weapons.


Should nuclear power be used?

Nuclear power is cleaner. · The problem of radioactive waste is still an unsolved one. The waste from nuclear energy is extremely dangerous and it has to be carefully looked after for several thousand years (10'000 years according to United States Environmental Protection Agency standards).· High risks: Despite a generally high security standard, accidents can still happen. It is technically impossible to build a plant with 100% security. A small probability of failure will always last. The consequences of an accident would be absolutely devastating both for human being as for the nature (see here , here or here ). The more nuclear power plants (and nuclear waste storage shelters) are built, the higher is the probability of a disastrous failure somewhere in the world.· Nuclear power plants as well as nuclear waste could be preferred targets for terrorist attacks. No atomic energy plant in the world could withstand an attack similar to 9/11 in Yew York. Such a terrorist act would have catastrophic effects for the whole world.· During the operation of nuclear power plants, radioactive waste is produced, which in turn can be used for the production of nuclear weapons. In addition, the same know-how used to design nuclear power plants can to a certain extent be used to build nuclear weapons (nuclear proliferation).· The energy source for nuclear energy is Uranium. Uranium is a scarce resource, its supply is estimated to last only for the next 30 to 60 years depending on the actual demand.· The time frame needed for formalities, planning and building of a new nuclear power generation plant is in the range of 20 to 30 years in the western democracies. In other words: It is an illusion to build new nuclear power plants in a short time.Sustainability: Is nuclear energy sustainable?For several reasons, nuclear power is neither «green» nor sustainable:· Both the nuclear waste as well as retired nuclear plants are a life-threatening legacy for hundreds of future generations. It flagrantly contradicts with the thoughts of sustainability if future generations have to deal with dangerous waste generated from preceding generations. See also here . · Uranium, the source of energy for nuclear power, is available on earth only in limited quantities. Uranium is being «consumed» (i.e. converted) during the operation of the nuclear power plant so it won't be available any more for future generations. This again contradicts the principle of sustainability.Nuclear Power Plant Accidents and Terrorism· According to the Union of Concerned Scientists, regulated safety procedures are not being followed to ensure that nuclear power plants are safe. Even if all safety precautions are followed, it is no guarantee that a nuclear power plant accident will not occur. If a nuclear power plant accident occurs, the environment and surrounding people could be exposed to high levels of radiation. Terrorism threats are another concern that needs to be addressed. A satisfactory plan to protect nuclear power plants from terrorism is not in place.


What are the disadvantges of fossil fuels?

Fossil fuels depend upon the material laid down millions of years ago, and really represent 'stored sunlight'. But they will run out! They cannot last forever. And they produce CO2 as a by-product that will harm the atmosphere of the Earth. In the long run we will have to rely on renewable fuels, and on nuclear power plants. But even these nuclear plants will eventually run out of fuel.