Week 5 - Chapter 7

Question 1

What is the process of taking a facility out of service and dismantling it?

Answer 1

Decommissioning

Decommissioning ensures that the facility is no longer a hazard to the environment or public health.

Question 2

What term describes the process of cleaning up contaminated sites?

Answer 2

Remediation

Remediation involves various techniques to remove or contain hazardous materials.

Question 3

What is the term for the height of the water column above a given point, influencing water flow?

Answer 3

Hydraulic head

Hydraulic head is critical in determining the potential energy available in hydropower systems.

Question 4

What type of hydropower system utilizes the natural flow of a river without significant storage?

Answer 4

Run-of-river (ROR) hydropower

ROR systems generate electricity while maintaining river flow and ecosystems.

Question 5

What nuclear process involves splitting atomic nuclei to release energy?

Answer 5

Fission

Fission is the principle behind most nuclear reactors.

Question 6

What type of reactors use ordinary water as both coolant and neutron moderator?

Answer 6

Light water reactors (LWRs)

LWRs are the most common type of nuclear reactors in operation.

Question 7

What are the components that contain nuclear fuel within a reactor?

Answer 7

Fuel assemblies

Fuel assemblies are designed to optimize the nuclear reaction within the reactor core.

Question 8

What is the central part of a nuclear reactor where the nuclear reactions occur?

Answer 8

Reactor core

The reactor core contains the fuel assemblies and is critical for the generation of nuclear energy.

Question 9

What are used to control the rate of nuclear reactions within a reactor?

Answer 9

Control rods

Control rods absorb neutrons and help regulate the fission process.

Question 10

What term refers to the process of increasing the proportion of fissile isotopes in nuclear fuel?

Answer 10

Enrichment

Enrichment is essential for achieving the necessary conditions for nuclear fission.

Question 11

What process involves separating usable fuel from spent nuclear material?

Answer 11

Reprocessing

Reprocessing allows for the recovery of fissile materials and reduces waste.

Question 12

What term refers to the potential risks and concerns associated with the Fukushima disaster?

Answer 12

Fukushima risk

Fukushima risk highlights the need for safety and regulatory oversight in nuclear energy.

Question 13

What nuclear reaction involves combining atomic nuclei to release energy?

Answer 13

Nuclear fusion

Fusion is the process that powers the sun and has potential for future energy generation.

Question 14

What is the term for the cost of constructing a nuclear power plant without financing or escalation?

Answer 14

Bare erected cost (BEC)

BEC includes the costs of labor and materials directly associated with construction.

Question 15

What is the total cost of constructing a nuclear power plant, including financing costs?

Answer 15

Total plant cost (TPC)

TPC provides a comprehensive view of the financial requirements for a nuclear facility.

Question 16

What represents the total cost incurred for the construction of a plant, including all expenses?

Answer 16

Total overnight cost (TOC)

TOC is an important metric for evaluating project costs and timelines.

Question 17

What is the term for the total costs actually spent on a project, regardless of budget?

Answer 17

Total as-spent cost (TASC)

TASC reflects the real financial outlay for project completion.

Question 18

What term describes the risk associated with delays in project completion?

Answer 18

Completion risk

Completion risk can lead to increased costs and project overruns.

Question 19

What does EPC stand for in the context of construction and project management?

Answer 19

EPC contractor

EPC stands for Engineering, Procurement, and Construction, a common project delivery method.

Question 20

What term refers to the stage in construction when the project is ready for operations?

Answer 20

Mechanical completion

Mechanical completion indicates that systems are installed and functioning as intended.

Question 21

What is the final stage of a construction project when it is fully completed?

Answer 21

Final completion

Final completion signifies that all contractual obligations have been fulfilled.

Question 22

What are penalties imposed for failing to meet contractual deadlines called?

Answer 22

Liquidated damages (LD)

LD are predetermined damages specified in contracts to incentivize timely completion.

Question 23

What is a financial guarantee provided by a contractor to ensure project performance?

Answer 23

Performance bond

Performance bonds protect the project owner against contractor default.