Do you know about nuclear power plants? Does your country have used a nuclear power plant?
There are some countries that have not used nuclear power as fuel for electricity generation in their country.
Then, are you interested to know interesting facts about nuclear energy in Russia? If you are interested, let’s look at 7 fascinating facts about nuclear energy in Russia.
Power plants throughout the world have their own power source to produce electricity. As is well known, there are Hydroelectric Power Plants, Steam Power Plants, Solar Power Plants, Nuclear Power Plants and others. This time the discussion will focus on the Nuclear Power Plant.
Nuclear power is one of the energies used to generate electrical power. This type of power plant requires a nuclear reactor to produce electricity. Until now, there have been 442 licensed Nuclear Power Plants in the world. Of the total, 441 operate in 31 different countries. Electricity generated by the Nuclear Power Plant as a whole has supplied 17% of the world’s electricity.
Then, do you know if Russia is one of the countries that has a Nuclear Power Plant? If you don’t know it yet, this article will give you a little information about 7 fascinating facts about electricity in Russia.
- Russia, One of The World’s Largest Producers of Nuclear Energy
Among all countries that are nuclear energy producers for nuclear power plants in the world, Russia is one of the countries that is the largest producer. In 2018 alone, the total electricity that has been generated from nuclear power plants in Russia reached 202.87 TWh. The amount is equivalent to 20.8% of all existing power plants. In December 2018, the installed gross capacity of a nuclear reactor Russia is 31.315 MW.
- Russia’s NPPs Generate About 16% Of National Electric Power
Being one of the largest electric power producing countries, Russia produces a large electric power for the country. In Russia, nuclear power plants can produce up to 16% of national electricity to meet the electricity needs of their citizens. With the existence of 10 nuclear power plants operating in Russia, of course the electricity needs of their citizens will be very adequate for their daily lives.
- Nowadays, 10 NPPs Operate in Russia
Until now, Russia has been operating 10 nuclear power plants with a total number of 31 units. The overall capacity of the nuclear power plant is 23.2 GW. Russia even has plans to increase the number of its nuclear reactors operating from 31 units to 59 units. The doubling of nuclear power plants in 2020 is in line with Russia’s 2003 energy strategy, which is prioritizing reducing natural gas-based electricity supply. Federal Atomic Energy Agency (Rosatom) in 2006 announced a target of meeting 23% of electricity needs for 2020 and 30% of the electricity needs for 2030.
- Russia Is the Main Supplier of Nuclear Fuel
In Russia there is mining for raw uranium. To make raw uranium into fuel for nuclear power plants, there is a series of sophisticated production processes. The results of this production process are low-enriched uranium. Low enriched uranium is a suitable material for nuclear power plants. It could be said if the actual waste is a raw material supply for the future.
Fuels for nuclear power plants produced in Russia are also exported to other countries. One of the countries which receive fuel for a nuclear power plant from Russia is the United States. Russia is the main supplier of fuel in the country.
- Nuclear Power Is an Environmentally Friendly Way to Produce Electricity
Nuclear Power Plants are considered as a power plant that is far more environmentally friendly. Even when there is an accident at a nuclear power plant, it is still considered to have a negative effect which, if accumulated, will be many times lower than a power plant that uses coal, natural gas and oil. Unlike the production of hydrocarbon fuels such as oil, natural gas and coal which are decreasing, the reserves of uranium fuel are still quite high and can still be used as fuel for nuclear power plants. Nuclear Power Plant also effectively able to fight the greenhouse effect which can lead to global warming.
- Evolution of Water Reactors for Nuclear Power Plants in Russia
The pressurized water reactor used for nuclear power plants has evolved. Water reactor VVER-1200 version is an evolution of the previous water reactor VVER-1000 version. This reactor has a power output of up to 1,200 MWe and there are also additional passive safety features.
In 2016, Russia announced initial plans to build 11 new nuclear power reactors. This nuclear reactor will be built in 2030. In this construction, including VVER-600, a reactor designed for smaller areas. VVER-600 is the second version of the cooling circuit smaller than VVER-1200.
- Russia’s Floating Nuclear Power
Now, Russia is conducting an experiment using nuclear power. They conducted an experiment to launch the Floating Nuclear Power Plant. This Nuclear Power Plant is made of two mini reactors of the type previously used for submarines. Moscow is the one who is leading the trend and seeing the potential of floating nuclear power plants.
But the Floating Nuclear Power Plant is getting comments that are pros and cons. According to people who support the existence of this Floating Nuclear Power Plant, this will be a leading achievement in the engineering field. Meanwhile, according to critics, the development of Floating Nuclear Power Plant is a reckless action.
And maybe there are still some of fascinating facts and detail information about electricity in Russia haven’t been listed above. I hope this article can really help you to find out the 7 fascinating facts about electricity in Russia. Which do you think is the most fascinating facts?