Energy
Seawater Uranium One Step Closer to Being A Viable Energy Source
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While the history behind nuclear energy utilizing fuel sources like Uranium may be marred with concerning events, the narrative behind this potentially climate-friendly power source is rapidly changing. Modern reactors are safer than ever, and with the increased condemnation of fossil fuels, now is a pivotal time for a push forward with nuclear solutions.
With that in mind, researchers have recently developed a new solution that will potentially allow for Uranium to be harvested from seawater in a sustainable fashion.
The Breakthrough
The solution, which involves the extraction of uranium ions through an electrochemical reaction, was detailed in a paper titled ‘Self-Standing Porous Aromatic Framework Electrodes for Efficient Electrochemical Uranium Extraction‘. Published in ACS Central Science, this paper saw researchers identify and set out to solve the following problem.
With uranium reserves in seawater “…estimated to be 4.5 billion tons, nearly 1000 times larger than terrestrial uranium reserves”, what can be done to access this vast source of latent energy?
Although we won't dive into the more technical details of the process outlined in its paper, the solution at which the team arrived saw the creation of a form of treated carbon fiber fabric with enough surface area to capture uranium ions that can then be harvested through an electrochemical reaction.
Overall, the team believes its work has “…provided an effective strategy for the uranium extraction from seawater through the electrochemical process.”
Understanding Uranium
Top Nuclear Energy Companies
If humans are ever going to achieve the kind of feats discussed above, it will require the concerted efforts of public and private companies alike to continue building on past achievements for generations to come. For now, the following are examples of companies playing an early role in such feats as each advances our understanding and capabilities within the Aerospace sector.
*Figures provided below were accurate at the time of writing and are subject to change. Any potential investor should verify metrics*
1. Exelon Corporation
Exelon Corporation (EXC -0.15%)
Exelon Corporation (EXC -0.15%)
Marketcap | Forward P/E 1 Yr. | Earnings Per Share (EPS) |
35,288,256,397 | 15.00 | $2.14 |
Exelon Corporation, headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, is the largest nuclear power plant operator in the United States. It supplies power and electricity to 10 million customers via 23 nuclear reactors and 14 nuclear power plants. The company also diversifies into wind, solar, and hydroelectric power.
2. NextEra Energy, Inc.
Centrus Energy Corp. (LEU -3.12%)
Centrus Energy Corp. (LEU -3.12%)
Marketcap | Forward P/E 1 Yr. | Earnings Per Share (EPS) |
126,508,299,310 | 19.73 | $3.78 |
As the world's largest utility company, NextEra Energy has nuclear plants in Florida, New Hampshire, and Wisconsin. These plants play a crucial role in providing reliable and emissions-free energy, avoiding over 24 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually.
3. BWX Technologies, Inc.
BWX Technologies, Inc. (BWXT -2.36%)
BWX Technologies, Inc. (BWXT -2.36%)
Marketcap | Forward P/E 1 Yr. | Earnings Per Share (EPS) |
7,073,938,512 | 26.20 | $2.44 |
BWX Technologies, an American company, supplies nuclear components, technologies, and fuel to nuclear plants in the United States. It also supports governments and private entities operating nuclear facilities. Their services include naval nuclear propulsion, nuclear medicine, and research test reactors. The company has been involved in supporting the deployment of small modular reactors in Poland.
Final Thoughts
These recent developments in uranium extraction from seawater, alongside the steady progress being made in nuclear fusion research, potentially herald a transformative phase in sustainable power generation. The process of harvesting uranium using electrochemical reactions promises a less environmentally intrusive alternative to traditional mining, addressing both the scarcity of land-based uranium and the environmental concerns associated with its extraction. Meanwhile, the pursuit of nuclear fusion, with its superior energy output, abundant fuel sources, minimal environmental impact, and enhanced safety, represents a beacon of hope for a future powered by clean, virtually limitless energy.