The article below shows some problems that the villagers of Centra Java staying near the Muria Peninsula may face if the Indonesia government builds its nuclear power plant there.

3.1) This is due to the fact that a slight tremor could cause the volcano to erupt, and could damage the nuclear plant, and thus, triggering a radioactive leak. (evidence in yellow)

4) A few alternatives were also suggested by environmental activists that could replace nuclear power to generate energy. (evidence in orange)

Villagers against Indonesia's plans for nuclear power plant
By Sukino Harisumarto Aug 26, 2007, 18:02 GMT

Balong, Indonesia - Like the majority of villagers in Indonesia's densely populated Central Java province, 40-year-old Suhadi opposes the government's plan to built its first-ever nuclear power plant near his home.

It's not that Suhadi, who like many Indonesians goes by one name, wouldn't appreciate an end to rolling power outages and rationing, but that he fears a possible catastrophe.

'I just want to raise a question on whether the government can guarantee that a nuclear power plant is totally safe.' Suhadi, a farmer of Balong village, about 450 kilometres east of Jakarta, told Deutsche Presse-Agentur dpa.

'Or can they make sure that there won't be a big earthquake in this region that may trigger leakage at the plant?' he asked.

Only weeks after a recent earthquake in Japan heavily damaged one of the world's largest nuclear reactors and caused radiation leakage, residents here were deeply concerned with the proposed plant site only 1,500 metres from their village.

'Members of the Balong village community oppose the nuclear power plant!' reads a huge anti-nuclear banner fixed at the village's entrance gate.

However, the Jakarta government, which also has 230 million other Indonesians to consider, not to mention its industrial economic production, thinks otherwise.

Desperately seeking new sources of electricity to meet rising demand, Indonesia is moving ahead with controversial plans to build its first nuclear power plant, which if completed on schedule in 2017, would be the first in Southeast Asia.

It has chosen a site in the Muria Peninsula - now paddy fields and rubber plantations - at the foot of the 1,600-metre dormant Mount Muria volcano on the northern coast of Central Java.
Bidding on the tender for the 1.6-billion dollar plant, which officials say will produce as much as 4,000 megawatts of power by 2025, may begin as early as next year.

However, Indonesia is located along the so-called 'Pacific Ring of Fire,' a region prone to volcanic eruptions and destructive earthquakes. In May 2006, a 6.3-magnitude tremblor devastated parts of Central Java's cultural city Yogyakarta and nearby regions, killing more than 5,800 people. Yogyakarta lies about 200 kilometres south of Mount Muria.

Residents, backed by environmental activists who had for years opposed the government's plan, fear that the slightest tremor could trigger a fresh eruption and spell disaster for any reactor in its path. A radioactive leak could lead to human catastrophe on Java, one of the world's most densely populated islands with more than 100 million people.

'I don't want that recent incident in Japan or the Chernobyl disaster to occur here,' said Suhadi, whose red-brick home is 1 kilometre from the planned plant.

Despite their concerns, officials from the country's National Nuclear Energy Agency insist the Muria Peninsula was chosen only after feasibility studies found that the location is in the 'safest area' in terms of volcanic and tectonic activities or tsunami threats.

Hudi Hastowo, the agency's chairman, ruled out a possible eruption of the Mount Muria, claiming that the volcano has been dormant for thousands of years.

'Mount Muria volcano is in a phase of rest,' he said assured.

In a long-term energy plan released in 2006, government officials estimated that by 2025 about 4 to 5 per cent of the country's electricity supply will come from a string of power plants across Central Java, stressing that the nuclear energy was part of the country's national energy policy.
Indonesia is South-East Asia's only member of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries, but its oil output has fallen in recent years to about 1 million barrels per day amid flagging investment. Nuclear technology has already been extensively applied in Indonesia, principally used for agriculture, animal husbandry, health, water resources and industry.

But environment activists claim that in recent years scientists have discovered a small geological fault below the proposed location. They say there are cheaper, safer ways to generate power since the country has abundant geothermal heat, hydro-power, natural gas and coal.
The Indonesian branch of the international environmental group Greenpeace called on the Indonesian government to heed the strong protests of the locals and nature lovers against the plan.

'The recent post-quake incident in the Kashiwazaki nuclear power plant in Japan is one of many warnings which should have been seriously heeded by the government and killed its ambition to built a nuclear energy facility,' said Nur Hidayati, a Greenpeace South-East Asia's climate and energy campaigner.

The July 16 earthquake forced Japanese authorities to indefinite shut down to Kashiwazaki's reactor after a 6.8-magnitude tremblor damaged the plant.

Local community leaders had accused officials within the central government only conveying information to the public through media reports on the benefits of the plant, without explaining the potential dangers.

The only senior official siding with the villagers of Balong is Environmental Minister Rachmat Witular, who wants the government to freeze the project until it is certain that it will be safe, or until there are no more objection from locals nearby.

'As long as there is opposition from the local community, a nuclear reactor cannot be built there,' Witular said.

© 2007 dpa - Deutsche Presse-Agentur

Taken from: http://news.monstersandcritics.com/energywatch/nuclear/features/article_1347879.php/Villagers_against_Indonesias_plans_for_nuclear_power_plant

New Research (I) - Nuclear Power

What is nuclear power?

Nuclear energy is energy in the nucleus of an atom. Atoms are tiny particles that make up every object in the universe. There is enormous energy in the bonds that hold atoms together. Nuclear energy can be used to make electricity. But first the energy must be released. It can be released from atoms in two ways: nuclear fusion and nuclear fission.

In nuclear fission, atoms are split apart to form smaller atoms, releasing energy. Nuclear power plants use nuclear fission to produce electricity. The energy is both heat and light energy. Einstein said that a very small amount of matter contains a very LARGE amount of energy. This energy, when let out slowly, can be harnessed to generate electricity.

A nuclear power plant uses uranium as a "fuel." Uranium is an element that is dug out of the ground many places around the world. It is processed into tiny pellets that are loaded into very long rods that are put into the power plant's reactor.The reaction also creates radioactive material that could hurt people if released, so it is kept in a solid form. This chain reaction gives off heat energy which is used to boil water in the core of the reactor. So, instead of burning a fuel, nuclear power plants use the chain reaction of atoms splitting to change the energy of atoms into heat energy.

In nuclear fusion, energy is released when atoms are combined or fused together to form a larger atom. This is how the sun produces energy. Fusion means joining smaller nuclei (the plural of nucleus) to make a larger nucleus. The sun uses nuclear fusion of hydrogen atoms into helium atoms. This gives off heat and light and other radiation.In the picture to the right, two types of hydrogen atoms, deuterium and tritium, combine to make a helium atom and an extra particle called a neutron.What's better about nuclear fusion is that it creates less radioactive material than fission, and its supply of fuel can last longer than the sun.

How is the heat energy converted into electricity?

Nuclear reactors control the chain reaction and harness the heat. Two main types of nuclear reactor are used to generate electricity:

• heavy water reactors
• light water reactors

Heavy water reactors are fueled by natural uranium encased in fuel channels that run horizontally through a tank containing the heavy water moderator. The moderator slows the neutrons down thereby increasing the chances of fission. The coolant, a separate stream of pressurized heavy water, is pumped through the fuel channels to absorb the heat created by the uranium undergoing fission in the tubes. Once heated to about 300 degrees, the heavy water circulates through a boiler, transferring the heat to ordinary water in a separate circuit. The ordinary water is converted to a flow of high-pressure stream that turns the turbines and generates electricity.

Light-water reactors are power reactors that are cooled and moderated with ordinary water. There are two basic types: the pressurized-water reactor and the boiling-water reactor.

• In pressurized water reactors, high-pressure, high-temperature water removes heat from the core and is then passed to a steam generator. Here the heat is transferred to a stream of water in the generator, causing the water to boil. The steam powers a steam turbine.

• In a boiling-water reactor, water passing through the core boils, and the steam from the reactor is used directly in the power cycle.

The advantages of nuclear power plants include lower fuel costs and the absence of air pollution. In short, nuclear power is energy which is produced with the use of a controlled nuclear reaction.

Links:

1) What is Nuclear Power?

2) Nuclear Energy - Fusion and Fission

Physics SIA Meeting 2:

Online meeting on Microsoft Network (MSN)
Time: 11.0am- 1.00pm
Date: 9th February 2008
Attendance: Joan, Jiali and Marie

Note:
Mr. Ang has commented from the 1st proposal that our research focus was unclear and whole topic of "radioactive waves" were too wide. Also, Singapore does not make use of nuclear power to generate electricity. Thus, he suggested for us to focus our area of research on Indonesia's plan to construct a nuclear power plant in Java as Indonesia is a neighbouring country, and if it really constructs the nuclear power plant, there is a possibility that Singapore would be affected by the radioactive waves emitted if there is a nuclear energy leak.

Our group agreed to use his idea because we are able to relate to Mr. Ang's idea better since the topic involves Singapore and our neighbour country, Indonesia. Also, our project would be more specific and targeted at a problem instead of simply researching on "radioactive waves".

Agenda:
1) Scope of our research
2) Delegation of tasks
3) Setting of deadlines for the tasks

Scope of Research

1) What exactly is nuclear power?
- Definition of it
- List the physics principles of nuclear power related to the "green" issue

2) Why is there a need to develop a nuclear power plant in Java?

- What will the nuclear power plant be used for?

3.1) Problems underlying the construction of the nuclear power plant.

- Being located in the Pacific Ring of Fire, Indonesia is prone to earthquakes and volcano eruptions
- How does this fact affect the plan to construct a nuclear power plant in Indonesia?

3.2) Impacts of the construction of the nuclear power plant.

- Impacts of the nuclear reactors on the environment in Indonesia, Singapore and/or other neighbouring countries as well, relating to each country's fragile and limited resources
- List of the pros and cons of having the nuclear power plant in Java
- Justifying to a larger extent whether the nuclear power plant is beneficial or harmful to the environment.

4) Other alternatives to replace Nuclear Power

- Analyze the pros and cons of each alternative methods -> whether it is more environmental-friendly?
- Are these alternatives better than the current plan to use nuclear power?

Delegation of Tasks

Points 1 and 2 ------------------------------- Jia Li
Point 3.1 ------------------------------------ Joan
Point 3.2 ------------------------------------ Marie
Point 4 -------------------------------------- Jia Li and Joan

Ps: The three of us will post our individual research findings in this online journal. Articles and pictures will be included to enhance understanding of research. It is not necessary for us to strictly stick to our individual parts, thus there will be minor editings and changes done to each individual research by our team members who is not in charge of that area of research.

Deadlines

Points 1 and 2 --------------------- 03 April
Point 3.1 --------------------------- 06 April
Point 3.2 --------------------------- 15 April
Point 4 ----------------------------- 25 April

For the poster and presentation aspect of our physics project, we decided not to worry about them as they is due in Term 3. It is important for us to get our research done first as the poster is largely a summary of our research.

We decided to choose to investigate on the harmful effects of radioactive particles on the environment due our interest in the subject. Also, information can be easily accessible as the physics textbook and the internet provide as good resources for research, especially since radioactive particles is a new phenomenon in the world because it is a result of nuclear weapons being used. Thus, our group aims to 1) investigate the effects of these radioactive particles on the environment, as well as 2) find other methods to replace the usage of nuclear power, and 3) list the pros and cons of each methods

Background:

Radioactive particles contaminate out Earth’s fragile resources and environment. These radioactive particles are produced in the processing of radioactive isotopes, the manufacture and testing of nuclear weapons and the running of nuclear power reactors. In the case of a nuclear explosion, fine dust particles will be injected into the strastosphere which may decrease the amount of sunlight reaching the Earth’s surface thus affecting the production of crops in various parts of the Earth. Radioactive particles in the atmosphere may contaminate the Earth and water resources when they are brought down to the ground by rain or snow or circulated throughout the Earth by wind. This will in turn pose serious health problems for anyone coming into contact with them.

Physics SIA meeting 1

Venue: Computer lab 3
Time: 2.30pm- 6.00pm(after school)
Date: 18 January 2008
Attendance: Joan, Jiali and Marie

Agenda:
Selection of research topic
Proposal Writing
Online Journal

1. SELECTION OF RESEARCH TOPIC

1.1 BRAINSTORMING
As we have to decide on an area of research related to a physics principle behind an environmental issue covered in the textbook, we briefly looked through our physics textbook to generate ideas. During our brainstorming session, ideas such as global warming, alternative sources of energy, NEWater treatment and so on were brought up by us.

1.2 FINAL DECISION
After much discussion on the basic physics principles behind each topic, we decided to select the topic “Radioactive waves’ effects on the Environment” as all of us had interest and passion on the negative effects of radioactive waves have on the environment, and other alternative ways to replace nuclear power. We hope to use physics principles and to further research into this topic to find out more about other alternative ways to replace nuclear power and compare the pros and cons of each method.

2. PROPOSAL WRITING

2.1 RATIONALE FOR RESEARCH TOPIC
As mentioned earlier, the main objective of this project is to find out other alternative ways to replace nuclear power, and to compare each method’s pros and cons. Alternative methods are being researched on such that the negative effects of nuclear power (radioactive waves) can be reduced to the lowest level.

2.2 BACKGROUND INFORMATION OF RESEARCH TOPIC
As background information is required for our research topic, “Radioactive waves’ effects on the Environment”, we referred to our physics textbook and some websites for information. Each one of us summarized the information we have researched, and later consolidated all the information and research we have gathered.

2.3 PHYSICS PRINCIPLE BEHIND RESEARCH TOPIC
As we are supposed to find out and briefly describe the physics principle behind out research topic, we also referred to our physics textbook and some websites for information. We consolidated all the information we have researched on and also cross referenced to other websites to ensure that the information was reliable.

2.4 SOURCES OF REFERENCES OF MATERIALS
After some discussion, we decided that the internet is the most available resource for our research. However, we also feel that reference books are important for our research too, as we feel that they are more reliable. Newspapers articles and online journals should be included too, as they are updated and tell us the changes in the world and environment related to our research topic, nuclear energy.

3. Online journal

3.1 Creation of Online Journal

We decided that Joan will first create the online journal using blogger.com, and later we can further edit the layout of the blog, and start posting about our research topic. Our online journal should include minutes of meetings, articles and information related to our research topic and also annotations of articles where possible.

3.2 Delegation of jobs for online journal

After some discussion, we decided that each one of us will take turns to post the minutes of each meeting on the online journal. Furthermore, we have to annotate articles or post information that we find related to our research topic and post it on the blog.