Nuclear Energy Misconceptions - The nuclear sector faces challenges due to misinformation, prejudices, and myths that outweigh factual data [6] - The perception of nuclear energy is often negatively skewed, associating it with mismanagement, danger, and catastrophe, influenced by cultural representations like Homer Simpson [2][8] - Contrary to common belief, radiation is a natural phenomenon present since the Big Bang, existing in various forms around us [17][18] - The comparison between a nuclear reactor and a bomb highlights that they are fundamentally different, with reactors being controlled systems and bombs designed for uncontrolled reactions [19][20] - Radioactive waste management has been safely practiced for 70 years without significant incidents, contrasting with the health impacts of hydrocarbon emissions [22][23] Gender Imbalance in the Nuclear Sector - The nuclear science and technology field originated with contributions from female scientists like Marie Curie and Lise Meitner, who were later underrecognized [9][10][11][12] - Women are underrepresented in the nuclear sector, comprising only 29% of the global workforce, with even lower representation in leadership and technical roles [14][15] - The underrepresentation of women in the nuclear sector results in a lack of diverse perspectives, hindering innovation and problem-solving [27] Nuclear Energy and Climate Change - Nuclear energy is a clean energy source that does not emit greenhouse gases and can operate 24/7, making it an ideal complement to renewable energy sources like solar and wind [25] - Addressing climate change requires considering nuclear energy as a viable option alongside renewable sources to ensure a stable and sustainable energy supply [24][25] - Promoting informed dialogue and seeking qualified information about nuclear energy is crucial for making informed decisions in the context of the global climate crisis [24]

[Música] La imagen que veis en la pantalla es la instalación nuclear, quizá de las más importantes de Francia. Se llama Tricastín. Tiene cuatro reactores nucleares, cuatro de los 57 reactores nucleares que tiene Francia.Se ven los edificios de contención en la parte superior, el río Ródano que refrigera la central y dos torres de refrigeración. Pero llama la atención que es un complejo muy grande, como veis tiene muchas instalaciones porque ahí es donde Francia realiza el enriquecimiento del uranio para sus ...

Energy Consumption and Dependence - Costa Rica relies on petroleum derivatives for 65% of its energy consumption, highlighting a significant dependence on oil producers [3] - A shift towards 75% to 80% dependence on petroleum derivatives is projected if the current trend continues, necessitating a redesign of the energy matrix [4] Energy Transition and Alternatives - A transition to 100% electric vehicles for light transportation (cars, motorcycles, urban buses) by 2050 is proposed, with a projected fleet of nearly 30,000 electric vehicles by the end of 2025 [5] - Heavy vehicles (trucks over 4 tons, inter-provincial buses) should transition to natural gas by 2050, which is claimed to be 24% cleaner than current fossil fuels [6] - Over 90% of countries that are signatories to international environmental agreements use natural gas extensively [7] Electricity Generation and Challenges - The country is experiencing an energy deficit, with electricity demand exceeding production capacity, leading to reliance on electricity imports and diesel/bunker-fueled thermal generation [10] - Over the last 10 years, Costa Rica has spent approximately 408 billion colones on electricity imports and thermal generation [11] - A 3% annual growth in electricity demand would require adding 4500 MW of production capacity by 2050, more than doubling the capacity built in the last 100 years [14] - Projections indicate a need for 17,000 MW by 2075 and 35,600 MW by the end of the 21st century [15] Proposed Solution: Nuclear Energy - Nuclear energy, specifically small modular reactors (SMRs) using molten salt technology, is proposed as a solution to generate the required electricity [18][22] - Nuclear energy is presented as a safer alternative, citing statistics that only 4,000 deaths have occurred in nuclear accidents throughout history, compared to 60 million in traffic accidents [20] - France generates 65% of its electricity from nuclear reactors, and a fifth of the electricity in OECD countries comes from nuclear energy [23] Energy Independence and Future Vision - Costa Rica could achieve a 100% national energy matrix by 2050, composed of one-third natural gas and two-thirds electricity, including nuclear [24]