On the 9th August, 2014, we visited Daya Bay Nuclear Power Plant on a one-day tour, arriving after a two-hour journey by coach. Thanks to the detailed explanation by Mr. Fung, the Acting Business Manager of HKNIC, we enjoyed the tour and learnt a lot about nuclear power generation.
Mr. Fung, the Acting Business Manager of HKNIC, giving a presentation.
Nuclear power is the most efficient method of energy generation. Since environmental protection is a worldwide issue nowadays, nuclear power ticks a lot of boxes if managed carefully. Apart from its efficiency, it is also a lot cleaner compared to energy produced through combustion of materials like fossil fuel energy. Nuclear energy eases the problem of energy shortage as there are plenty of uranium reserve. Moreover, land resources is so precious in Hong Kong that we cannot afford to build facilities in large quantities for production of renewable energy. Obviously, the one huge concern regarding nuclear energy is safety as accidents did happen in the past in Chernobyl and more recently Fukushima.
Participants learning more about the nuclear plant in the exhibition hall.
We can see that nuclear energy is risky if not handled properly, able to cause possibly the world’s greatest disasters which could last for decades. After all, every method has its own advantages and disadvantages, but if safe issues are managed carefully, nuclear power helps to solve the imminent energy crisis faced by countries around the world. Daya Bay Nuclear power plant has done a lot to ensure safety. Firstly, choosing a location suitable for the nuclear plant, on the shore of a shallow sea 6.5km above sea level, in a seismically stable region. Secondly, the plant is equipped with reactors with three leak-tight barriers which have a safe track record worldwide. Thirdly, moving on to software, only qualified personnel, which has undergone 5 years of training, can operate the nuclear power plant. With effective management and monitoring, the safety of the nuclear power plant is guaranteed.
A group photo in front of the Daya Bay Nuclear Power Plant.
