A traditional Chinese saying has it: "When the sun rises, we work; when it sets, we contemplate." Modernization has made this saying redundant, however, since electricity has turned night into day. Economic progress has brought increasing demand for electricity to supply such facilities as movie theaters, coffee shops, music halls, television sets and classrooms, as well as homes, factories and offices.
To keep up with this demand, the state-owned Taiwan Power Co. has striven to improve its knowledge, skills and quality of raw materials. In 1945, following the return of Taiwan to the Republic of China, power consumption stood at 275 kilowatts a year, and nearly all this was produced by hydroelectric stations. As demand for electricity grew, to reach 10.16 megawatts by 1981, these power stations soon became inadequate. The enforced switch to thermal power led to increasing reliance on coal and oil, commodities whose supply and prices are unstable. Nuclear energy has therefore become a third source of electricity.
Two nuclear power plants are already on line in Taiwan, with their four units combined producing more than 10 billion kilowatts a year, a quarter of the amount produced by all 47 other power plants on the island. Construction has already started on two other plants with even larger capacities.
Under the hydroelectric system, running water is dammed, and turns turbines when it is released. Thermal power stations use coal, oil, or natural gas to boil water and the steam produced is again used to turn turbines. With nuclear power, controlled nuclear reactions are used to provide the heat.
U235 is an element found naturally on the earth. Each atom is, of course, invisible to the naked eye and only with high precision scientific instruments can they be observed. In size an atom of U235 compared to an apple is like an apple compared to the earth. So how does such a small atom produce so much energy? Each atom is divided into three parts: the positively charged proton, the negatively charged electron, and the neutral neutron. The nucleus of the atom is comprised of protons and neutrons, while electrons orbit around the nucleus. By bombarding the nucleus with neutrons the nucleus is split in half and two or three free electrons are created, giving off great amounts of energy. This is known as "atomic power" or "nuclear power."
On the recommendation of the late President Chiang Kai-shek, a six-member committee was formed in 1955 to investigate the feasibility of using nuclear power. The committee was directed by Premier Sun Yun-suan, who was at that time an engineer with Taipower. Weekly meetings were held to disseminate information and literature. A major step forward was taken with the establishment of the Nuclear Engineering Department at Tsing Hua University in 1966, followed in 1970 by a graduate research institute. Starting in 1971, after plans to develop nuclear power were finally formalized, 20 students were selected annually for extended theoretical and practical training at U.S. universities and reactor manufacturing facilities. With the return of these students, all theoretical training of engineers involved in the planning of nuclear power plants is carried out at Tsing Hua University, while practical training is still conducted in the U.S.
Among the benefits of nuclear power is its low cost. The cost of producing one kilowatt of nuclear power is about 20 percent lower than that for an equal amount of thermal power. For another, it does not take up much storage space, since one ton of uranium produces as much energy as 45,000 tons of oil or 70,000 tons of coal. What is more, the uranium fuel only has to be replaced once a year, and only a quarter of it even then. Supplies of uranium can therefore be transported by air. Uranium is also a clean fuel, and under normal conditions there is little impact on the environment.
Even so, there are many problems which can arise from the use of nuclear power. People have been sensitive to the risk of accidents since the Three Mile Island incident in the U.S. According to statistics, however, a reactor would have to be in operation for 1 to 10 million years before there is a chance of any serious accident occurring. Fortunately, Taipower has moved cautiously and with foresight to avoid all foreseeable dangers. For instance, officials have made sure that reactors are located in coastal areas, and well away from any natural formations, such as coral reefs, that might be adversely affected by the hot water which is discharged. In addition, all nuclear reactors are surrounded by six enclosures, including a one square kilometer perimeter which is sealed off to outsiders, ensuring that no radiation escapes into surrounding areas. Some 200 radiation observation stations have been set up to analyze samples of earth, water, air, and sea life which are periodically taken to check for possible effects from radiation. Nuclear waste disposal is carried out with the same care and detailed planning. A storage ground has been constructed on Orchid Island large enough to handle all current and foreseeable waste safely and efficiently, reducing any possible harm to health or the environment.
Taipower is just as stringent in its selection of manpower. Only the most qualified and experienced personnel are chosen for work in nuclear power plants. The professional attitude of all workers ensures that no mistakes will be made through carelessness.
The Republic of China's power output has expanded smoothly as consumer and industrial demand has grown. Preparations, including the sending of personnel overseas for advanced technical training and detailed planning of plant construction, are proof of Taipower's farsightedness, quest for excellence, and technical advancement.
[Picture Caption]
1. The atomic reactor is the heart of the power plant. To prevent radiation leakage it is placed in a special steel casing. Here a reactor is being installed. 2. Workmen laying the foundation at night. 3. Once the lid is placed on the reactor it is secure against all radiation leakage. 4. Before the factory can go into operation the nuclear fuel must be loaded into the reactor.
1,2: The first and second nuclear power plants are located on the coast in northern Taiwan. 3. The third nuclear power plant is scheduled to come on line in 1985. 4. The running of the plant is the responsibility of the Central Computer Control Room. 5. At the end of every work day workers are tested for radiation to protect their health and that of their families. 6. Reactors are encased in two inch thick steel plates covered by another layer of almost four inch thick concrete.
1. One of the many radiation testing stations. 2-4. Some of the procedures followed to check for radiation: 2. Air radiation testing equipment. 3. Testing the water. 4. Taking samples of ocean water for testing. 5. All nuclear waste is safely disposed of at the dumping site on Orchid Island.
Workmen laying the foundation at night.
Once the lid is placed on the reactor it is secure against all radiation leakage.
Before the factory can go into operation the nuclear fuel must be loaded into the reactor.
The first and second nuclear power plants are located on the coast in northern Taiwan.
The first and second nuclear power plants are located on the coast in northern Taiwan.
The third nuclear power plant is scheduled to come on line in 1985.
The running of the plant is the responsibility of the Central Computer Control Room.
At the end of every work day workers are tested for radiation to protect their health and that of their families.
Reactors are encased in two inch thick steel plates covered by another layer of almost four inch thick concrete.
One of the many radiation testing stations.
Some of the procedures followed to check for radiation: 2. Air radiation testing equipment.
Testing the water.
Taking samples of ocean water for testing.
All nuclear waste is safely disposed of at the dumping site on Orchid Island.
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