Using Alternatives Sources Of Energy - 1401 Words

Up until a few years ago, we used to exploit fossil fuels for almost all of our needs (heating, transportation, etc.) without thinking if there are enough supplies or even about their negative effects their emissions cause to the environment. According to many scientific investigations our fossil fuel resources (oil, coal and gas) are running out, furthermore their emissions pollute the environment and contribute to the greenhouse effect. Undoubtedly, these situations as well as the fact that the demand for electricity is increasing more and more globally made us thinking about using alternatives sources of energy. Many possible fuels are being tested at the moment in order to find which one is the most suitable in terms of efficiency,†¦show more content†¦Despite the fact that things seemed to run smoothly, in 1973 when the oil crisis began, nuclear industry had to face environmental issues which made the construction of power stations such an expensive deal. Nowadays, nucl ear power seem to be more promising than ever due to the increased demand of electricity. After many investigations experts have determined that there are two ways that nuclear power can be utilized. The first way is called â€Å"Nuclear Fission†, this way is mainly used in power stations, uranium and other heavy elements are used as fuels. By its reaction heavy cores separate into medium-sized cores, where energy is released. The following figure shows how much electricity was generated in 6 countries by nuclear power in 2007. The second way that nuclear power can utilizes is called â€Å"Nuclear Fusion†, this way needs more investigation in order to be applied in power stations. Hydrogen and other light elements would be used as fuels and from its reaction fuse light cores are converted into medium-sized cores, where energy is released. Nuclear Fusion’s 2 most promising reactions are the DT reaction, which fuses deuterium (heavy isotope of hydrogen) with tritium (heavier isotope of hydrogen), making Helium (light monoatomic gas) and the DD reaction, which fuses deuterium with deuterium. Despite their different operations both fission and