Latest news with #NPPs
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
An Under-Appreciated Threat from Airborne Attacks on Large Nuclear Power Plants
Most of the 440 operable nuclear power plants (NPPs) currently deployed worldwide have long been recognized as potential targets for attack by enemy military forces or terrorists. Such an attack could not only destroy the power-generating capacity of the plant but also release a large plume of radioactive material having the potential to cause long-term economic and environmental damage, create radioactive exclusion zones and render surrounding areas uninhabitable for decades. COMMENTARY The vulnerability of existing large NPPs to airborne attack is largely created because they are located above ground. As a result, the containment structure and portions of other plant buildings housing hazardous radioactive material are directly exposed to airborne attacks capable of breaching the containment structure and other NPP building structures. These attacks could come from, for example, earth penetrating weapons designed to penetrate hardened structures such as military bunkers; military aircraft using bombs or missiles; direct impact by large commercial aircraft such those used in the 9/11 attack; or perhaps by new types of airborne weapons such as the explosive-laden drones used in the war between Ukraine and Russia. Moreover, an attack on an NPP could be deliberately planned to take advantage of prevailing winds at the time of the attack such that the winds would carry the plume of radioactive material to nearby areas that include targets of interest. Given the large inventory of hazardous radionuclides inside the containment structure and portions of other plant buildings, a large NPP could, therefore, perhaps be viewed by terrorists or enemy military forces as a type of pre-deployed, radiological dispersal device (that is, a type of 'dirty bomb'). The reasonableness of the threat posed is indicated by the Chernobyl accident, in which radioactive particles reached distances of up to 200 kilometers, affecting areas in northern Ukraine, southern Belarus, and parts of western Russia. In that respect, a single attack on carefully selected NPPs would be dual-purpose: destroy the electrical power-generating capacity of the NPP and simultaneously create a large, hazardous radioactive plume carried by the wind to engulf nearby strategic targets. The enormity of the number of potential targets in areas near U.S. NPPs is illustrated by an estimate that a third of the U.S population—and 14 of the largest metropolitan population areas—are within a 50-mile radius of an NPP. To illustrate this threat, consider the following hypothetical example of what might have happened if the terrorist plan for the 9/11 attack on the twin towers in New York City had been slightly modified. The 9/11 Commission Report describes Khalid Sheikh Mohammed (KSM) as the al-Qaeda field commander who planned the 9/11 attacks. It states that Sheikh Mohammed originally proposed to Osama bin Laden, leader of al Qaeda, to hijack 10 large commercial aircraft, and crash them not only into the twin towers but also '…CIA and FBI headquarters, nuclear power plants, and the tallest buildings in California and the state of Washington.' However, bin Laden '…was not convinced that it [KSM's proposal] was practical.' His final decision was to hijack large commercial aircraft and use them to strike only the twin towers, the Pentagon, and the U.S. Capitol. Consider the consequences if the al-Qaeda plan to strike the twin towers had been slightly different. If instead of striking only the twin towers, imagine if the plan had been to strike the twin towers and/or the Indian Point NPP, located about 40 miles north of New York City, with the objective of having the released radioactive plume carried by the wind in a southerly direction into New York City and the surrounding area. Data from National Atmospheric and Oceanic Administration measuring stations in the New York City area at Central Park and at LaGuardia, Newark, and John F. Kennedy airports indicate that sustained wind directions and sustained wind speeds on September 11, 2001, varied from 300, 330, 360, and 320 degrees, and with sustained speeds of 12, 12, 21, and 18 miles per hour, respectively. Thus, if the hypothetical September 11, 2011, attack on the Indian Point NPP had been successful, then it is conceivable, perhaps probable, that within three to four hours, the resulting plume of hazardous radionuclides could have been carried from the Indian Point NPP location to the south and southeast, covering portions of western Long Island, New York City, and Newark, New Jersey. It must be stressed that the actual risk posed by the plume would depend on more than the radioactive characteristics of the particles inside the plume, but also on interactions among many other factors such as plume turbulence and particle size, shape, density, and release rate, for example. The result would perhaps not have been as sudden and dramatic as the actual attack on the twin towers. But imagine, for example, the economic consequences if Wall Street and other parts of Manhattan and New York City were turned into a multi-year uninhabitable radioactive exclusion zone—not to mention the near- and long-term deaths and human health problems in the area. What can be done to reduce the risk of such attacks? Many actions are possible. For existing large NPPs, new military strategies and technologies could be applied to detect and deter attacks. To better protect the NPP, should an attack be attempted, perhaps the plants could be retrofitted with large, protective physical barriers to cover the containment structures and key portions of plant buildings containing hazardous radionuclides. For future large NPPs yet to be constructed, perhaps the plants could be designed and constructed to better deter, defend, and protect in the event of an attack. Also, where feasible, perhaps siting NPPs underground in rock caverns could be used to create a robust, natural, protective cover against airborne attack. Also, if the caverns were properly sited and constructed, the overlying rock mass would function as a natural containment structure, thereby avoiding the need for a costly engineered containment structure. Existing large NPPs sited above ground are vulnerable to airborne attacks by terrorists or enemy military forces. The attacks could be designed and timed such that nearby populations and critical infrastructure would be engulfed by the plume of hazardous radionuclides released by the attack. Nations considering the construction of new, large NPPs should evaluate the probability and consequences of a successful airborne attack and modify their siting and design basis as necessary. —C.W. (Wes) Myers, PhD is a retired geologist who worked for 25 years at Los Alamos National Laboratory as a research manager and on nuclear waste disposal issues.
The Hindu
09-05-2025
- Science
- The Hindu
Vizag scientists find ‘positive features' of irradiation on quartz crystals
The impact of radiation on concrete structures in nuclear power plants (NPPs) is causing frequent repairs, requiring rehabilitation of structures. The University of Tokyo published a paper on the impact of irradiation on concrete structures, by which the crystalline quartz, in aged concrete, is converted into amorphous state. This is the negative aspect, affecting the soundness and durability of concrete. However, N. Bhanumathidas and N. Kalidas, founder directors of the Visakhapatnam-based Institute for Solid Waste Research & Ecological Balance (INSWAREB), during the course of their review on the subject, found certain 'positive features of irradiation on quartz crystals' which convert the non-reactive crystalline quartz to reactive amorphous silica. They interacted with the Scientists of University of Tokyo, and prepared a review report for the benefit of students, researchers and faculty. 'This opens up enormous opportunities for the cement-concrete industry,' say Dr. Bhanumathidas and Mr. Kalidas, who are involved in research on fly ash bricks and had developed fly ash, lime and gypsum (FAL-G) bricks as an alternative to clay bricks to reduce the threat of massive generation of fly ash by Thermal Power Plants (TPPs). Commercial scope The couple found during their review of the research findings that conversion of quartz from crystalline (unreactive) to amorphous (reactive) state through radiation is the redeeming feature to benefit the cement and concrete industry with value addition of multibillion rupees, in addition to serving sustainable development goals. 'The crystalline quartz can be converted at commercial scale into amorphous silica by designing suitable reactors. If its reactivity is studied and established, such product can be used as complementary cement input to improve the quality. This will be more helpful where low grade limestone hampers the quality of clinker,' says Mr. Kalidas. 'By processing high-pure quartz, amorphous silica can be produced that may be akin to 'silica fume' whereby the value addition to cement and concrete could be potentially enhanced. By subjecting the coarse fly ash and pond ash to radiation in commercial reactors, the crystalline fly ash can be converted to amorphous ash to the extent of quartz content, rendering value addition to the inert ash. With over 2,860 million tons of ash in ash ponds occupying about 65,000 acres of land in India, this may prove the most sustainable avenue for exploitation in many aspects. The economic spin off is about ₹2.86 trillion in value addition of the product and ₹650 billion in reclaiming the land occupied by ash ponds,' he says. 'The NTPC has expressed its readiness to take up this project on a large scale once it is brought to a logical stage of implementation. Meanwhile, efforts are in progress to escalate the subject to the attention of the Prime Minister due to the criticalities associated with implementation of this project,' Mr. Kalidas told The Hindu. 'Ippei Maruyama of the UoT has also expressed willingness to partner in the research by INSWAREB, if the Government of Japan approves and funds it. He, however, wanted the Indian researchers to take care of activation by neutron, safety of material, and the running cost of the nuclear plant for the research,' he adds.
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Ukraine shuts down three out of nine nuclear power units for maintenance, says IAEA
Three out of the nine reactors at Ukrainian-controlled nuclear power plants (NPPs) are undergoing scheduled maintenance and refuelling. Source: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Details: IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi noted that maintenance and fresh fuel loading are being carried out at the Khmelnytskyi, Rivne and Pivdennoukrainsk NPPs. This work is being carried out under the persistent threat of Russian attacks. For instance, on 25 April, the IAEA team stationed at the Pivdennoukrainsk NPP reported that six drones had been spotted just 1.5 km from the facility, with Ukrainian air defence working to shoot them down. Meanwhile, the IAEA team at the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia NPP heard distant explosions throughout the past week, while the team at the Khmelnytskyi NPP was forced to take cover during an air raid on 30 April. Grossi also noted that a Russian drone strike pierced the roof of a major containment structure at the Chornobyl NPP on 14 February. The structure was designed to prevent any release of radiation from the reactor destroyed in the 1986 disaster and to shield it from external threats. He added that temporary repairs to the New Safe Confinement at the Chornobyl plant are underway. An IAEA team recently visited the site to discuss ongoing efforts to assess the building's structural integrity following the attack. Despite the significant damage to the shelter, he confirmed that no radioactive release had occurred. Earlier, Energoatom, Ukraine's state nuclear energy regulator, reported that repairs at all nine power units of Khmelnytskyi, Rivne and Pivdennoukrainsk NPPs were to be completed by the end of August. The total capacity of the nine power units is 7.88 GW. Six units with a capacity of 6,000 MW at Zaporizhzhia NPP have not been generating electricity since 11 September 2022. Background: Earlier, it was reported that Energoatom's net profit for 2024 reached UAH 1.3 billion (approximately US$31.2 million). The company plans to use these funds to offset losses from previous years – for instance, it recorded a loss of UAH 11 billion (around US$264.6 million) in 2023 – and no dividends are being paid. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon!
Express Tribune
30-04-2025
- General
- Express Tribune
Chashma-1 operates continuously for 400 days
Restoration work is in progress at four Chashma nuclear power plants - C1, C2, C3 and C4 - and they are expected to run at full capacity in the next 72 hours. PHOTO: FILE Listen to article Chashma Nuclear Power Plant Unit-1 (C-1) has achieved the milestone of continuous operation for 400 days for the first time in the history of Pakistan. Previously, Chashma Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) Unit-2 (C-2) and C-4 set the record for continuous operation at 365 days. This was announced by the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) in a news release issued on Wednesday. PAEC is currently operating six nuclear power plants in the country, providing 3530 MWs of electricity to the national grid. Four of these plants are at Chashma facility, near Mianwali, whereas two named K-2 and K-3 are located near Karachi. The achievement of NPP unit C-1 is a result of the acumen and hard work of PAEC's teams of scientists, engineers and technicians. Currently, Chashma NPPs (C-1 to C-4) are running with high capacity and availability factors. Member Power, PAEC, congratulated his team at Chashma Nuclear Power Generation Station (CNPGS) for achieving this milestone, ensuring all safety parameters, according to the press release. The stability of the national grid maintained by National Transmission and Despatch Company (NTDC) has also played a pivotal role in the continuous operation of the NPP for which the company deserves felicitations. PAEC is striving to achieve the United Nation's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially SDG-7, ensuring access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all. PAEC has been maintaining an enviable operational experience since Karachi Nuclear Power Plant (KANUPP) was connected to the national grid in 1972.
Yahoo
11-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
IAEA spots drones flying 4 km from Pivdennoukrainsk Nuclear Power Plant
Eight drones were spotted flying just 4 km from the Pivdennoukrainsk Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) on the night of 8-9 April. Source: Ukrinform news agency, citing a statement from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Quote from IAEA: "At Ukraine's nuclear sites, frequent air raid alarms and the sound of explosions in the distance continued to highlight persistent risks to nuclear safety. On the night of 9 April, according to information from the site, eight drones were detected flying within 4 km of the South Ukraine [Pivdennoukrainsk] NPP." Details: The statement also added that one power unit at each of the Khmelnytskyi and Rivne NPPs is currently shut down for a scheduled nuclear fuel refuelling. "On 5 April, two units at the Rivne site had to temporarily reduce their power output due to grid limitations, highlighting the ongoing difficulties caused by the fragile energy infrastructure," the statement said. Regarding the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (NPP), the IAEA reported that it continues regular visits to monitor and assess nuclear safety and security, with a particular focus on the dry spent fuel storage facility. IAEA representatives discussed with the Russian occupation administration of the plant the planned electrical maintenance work, the personnel situation and the training and qualifications of staff at the Zaporizhzhia NPP. Background: Some equipment at the Chornobyl NPP was left without power as a result of a Russian drone attack on 14 February. On 11 February, one of the two power transmission lines at the temporarily occupied Zaporizhzhia NPP was disconnected from the grid due to yet another Russian bombardment. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon!
