"Congress should promote research into the next generation of nuclear plants and encourage investment in existing nuclear plants to expand a clean and unlimited source of energy."

- President George W. Bush, Speech at Central Aluminum, Columbus, Ohio, Oct. 30, 2003

Nuclear Energy

-the world's largest source of emission-free energy. -nuclear power plants produce no controlled air pollutants, such as sulfur and particulates, or greenhouse gases. - the use of nuclear energy in place of other energy sources helps to keep the air clean, preserve the Earth's climate, avoid ground-level ozone formation and prevent acid rain.”

- Nuclear Energy Institute, November 2003, http://www.nei.org

Source: http://canteach.candu.org/

Pressurized Water Reactor Diagram

Source: U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission

The Pressurized Water Reactor (PWR) Animated

Source: U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission

Boiling Water Reactor Diagram

Source: U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission

PWR Diagram w/ 3 Turbines

The Boiling Water Reactor (BWR) Animated

Source: U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission

Reactor Coolant System• The system used to remove

energy from the reactor core and transfer that energy either directly or indirectly to the steam turbine.

• Varies with what kind of reactor is used. PWR versus BWR

Main Steam System

• Works with feedwater system, turbine and condenser

• Carries heat energy to be converted into rotational energy in turbine shaft

• Valves are connected into the main steam pipes: safety relief valves (against overpressure in vessels)

Condensate-Feedwater System