Background/Introduction:
· Reason why I chose this topic?
o The incident of the earthquake and tsunami on 11 March 2011 brought shocking news to the world
o Nuclear emergency was declared due to the failure of cooling systems at the Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant
o This incident sparked my interest on nuclear energy, something that has so much potential in solving the energy crisis in the world, but yet is such a danger to the society
o Before the explosion of Fukushima Power Plant, everyone was very contented with the success of the plant and the future implementations more plants
o Currently, Japan is made the center of conflict of approving Nuclear Energy. Many other countries, such as Jordon and other European countries are having heated debates on the pros and cons of continuing their nuclear energy programme
· Background
o Before the innovation of nuclear energy, the world mainly relied on fossil fuel as the source of energy.
o Problems with this source of energy: pollution, non-renewable resource, reliance on countries that posses fossil fuels (political dominance)
o Why chose nuclear energy/ viable as compared to the other alternative resources? Such as water, wind and solar
Historical Perspective
· The reason for the cause of starting up a Nuclear Power Plant
o pros and cons discussed before the first construction of Nuclear Power Plant
o Pros: clean energy; provide a large amount of energy generated from this source as compared to the other alternative sources; easy disposal; reliable source
o Cons: safety issue such as explosions and also radiation; disposal of spent fuel rods which remain radioactive for hundreds of years; possible spread of nuclear weapons to unreliable owners
· - Personal analysis of the pros and cons and view as to why Nuclear Power Plants were given the go-ahead/ perhaps economical factors outweighed the social concerns?
Current Situation
· - Present debates between activists and governments on the continuity of Nuclear Power Plants
· -Case Study of Fukushima Power Plant: Look at the causes of failure to contain the radiation; failure to adhere the safety regulations (mention in Economist if I can recall); immediate measures taken by government and measures that were not taken
· -Evaluate the case study and draw lessons to be learnt and ways to avoid mistakes and also, the role the government played
· -Apply evaluation to other countries in debates on Nuclear Energy, considering their various geological location, political stability, pros and cons to their economical, social and political aspects of the countries (I will take 2 or 3 specific countries)
Future Considerations
· -Measures recommended to prevent further disasters
· - Lessons that can be drawn from research that can be applied to future Power Plants
· -Personal Opinion if Nuclear Power Plants should be allowed to continue or other recommendations for instance, placing power plant at a geological secluded location
· -Advances in technology can possibly curb the safety issues?
· -Is it a waste to stop all activities concerning Nuclear energy? Opportunity?
· -Alternative energy? For example Japan using air as a form of energy and still maintain the bulk of energy in Japan
Conclusion
· How societies should manage the “new” resources?
· Factors that spur the push of nuclear energy or shift of focus to another alternative energy
· Will there be a day that nuclear energy be abandoned totally?
Very detailed and well thought out. I like how you are using the case study on Japan to reevaluate the continual use of nuclear energy. You have also weigh the pros and the cons of nuclear energy in terms of environment impact and sustainability. Good job there.
ReplyDeleteBesides collating information and piece them up, include your thoughts on the future development of nuclear energy. Where is it likely to head? Completely elimination or increase in world usage? Any social, political, economic or cultural implication?
Jerry
Hello Jeremy, Eugene here!
ReplyDeleteI agree with Jerry that it's really good how you bring in recent nuclear events, particularly in Japan, to support your cause for writing this paper. Indeed, with the recent tragedy, the spotlight is back on nuclear energy and it is imperative we re-evaluate our stance on the usage of nuclear energy.
Perhaps you can include a brief history on the nuclear technology, leading up to the first construction of the nuclear power plant, and also prior disasters with nuclear energy, notably Chernobyl and three mile island. I'm sure people will be interested to know more about these incidents!
All the best with the A+++ paper you gonna write!
Hello!
ReplyDeleteI feel that this topic is a good paper to right. It comes at a right time, just enough time after the incident, where you can gather the most information, to do your own analysis.
There are articles about the fukushima incident around. However, to look at nuclear energy, comparing with other countries, drawing your own prospective about the future, these makes me certainly want to read your paper when you get it done!
Cheers!