Comparison between Nuclear and Conventional Thermal Power Plants
Advantages of nuclear power plants over thermal power plants :
- For similar capacity plants, the space required is less.
- Cost of fuel transportation, storage and handling is very less since nuclear fuel requirements is much less compared to coal.
- It is more economical to operate, particularly in the areas remote to coal field.
- Ash handling problem is avoided.
- Number of persons needed for operation are less.
- These are more reliable in operation.
- The capital cost is low for large sized power plants and the running cost is competitive.
- It has better performance at high load factors.
Disadvantages of nuclear power plants over thermal power plants :
- These plants are not suitable for variable load requirements.
- If radioactive wastes are not disposed off properly, it would have bad effects both on human and plant life.
- Maintenance cost is high.
- It needs highly skilled labour and technicians for its operation.