The debate surrounding nuclear reactors often centers on their dual use nature. While they are a primary source of electricity and heat, critics argue that they could also be used to produce weapons grade material for nuclear bombs.
Nuclear reactors sustain controlled fission chain reactions to produce energy, heat, and isotopes. They are used for various purposes including electricity generation, marine propulsion, weapons production, research, and district heating. Low enriched uranium is 120,000 times more energy dense than coal.
The History of Nuclear Reactors
The first nuclear reactor was Chicago Pile-1 which was created on December 2, 1942 at the University of Chicago as part of the Manhattan Project to achieve a sustained nuclear reaction for atomic bomb development.
Nuclear Weapons and Reactors
The connection between reactors and weapons is clear. Iraq's nuclear program was aimed at building a bomb. Operation Outside the Box, also known as Operation Orchard, was an Israeli airstrike on a suspected nuclear reactor at the Al Kibar site in Syria's Deir ez-Zor region on September 6, 2007. The White House and CIA confirmed intelligence indicated it was a military nuclear facility.
The Dimona Facility
Experts analyzing images of a construction site at the Dimona facility concluded it is likely connected to Israel's nuclear weapons program.
Australia's Nuclear Reactor
Australia's only nuclear reactor is located on the suburban outskirts of Sydney.
