RECOVER URANIUM FROM SEAWATER? D.O.S.T. NUKE SCIENTISTS DOING STUDIES
As the government mulls to include nuclear in the country’s energy mix, local scientists are looking at seawater to possibly source uranium which serves as power source for nuclear energy.
“Seawater is an unconventional uranium resource, where this heavy metal is known to be abundant and pseudo- renewable,” said Dr. Jordan Madrid of the Department of Science and Technology- Philippine Nuclear Research Institute ( DOST- PNRI).
Madrid heads a project which will provide a way to tap uranium through the development of adsorbent through radiation grafting technology.
Madrid’s team earlier used radiation technology to develop abaca into a nonwoven fabric that can filter toxic materials, such as heavy metals and other contaminants.
If uranium can be recovered from seawater, it may help alleviate costs and importation challenges of nuclear fuel, Madrid said.
Researchers worldwide are also studying this technology.
Further, seawater uranium recovery technology is seen as a “game- changing approach.” The US government considers it as an area worthy of longterm support.
Uranium as nuclear power source
Ur anium is a heavy metal, which has been used as an abundant source of concentrated energy for over 60 years now.
This main fuel for nuclear reactors can be found in many places around the world, including seawater. To become fuel, uranium goes through refining and enrichment before it is used as a source for nuclear power.
A small pellet of uranium the size of a pencil eraser produces as much energy as a ton of coal, or three barrels of oil, or about two fuel tankers of natural gas.
Based on studies and global trends, Madrid believes that this technology, when developed successfully, can help source uranium locally.
Nuclear as energy option
On July 24, President Duterte signed Executive Order 116 which directs a study for the adoption of a national position on nuclear energy program. The study shall be conducted by an inter- agency committee headed by the Department of Energy, with DOST as vice- chair.
Adding nuclear in the current energy mix becomes an important consideration as experts see a 70- percent rise in energy demand by 2030.
Currently, the country is still very dependent on coal and oil, which are highly unstable in terms of cost as natural gas reserves are already on the decline.
The Philippines has been heavily importing oil and coal, which makes electricity price in the country remarkably high.
In effect, the Philippines is among the countries with the most expensive electricity rates in Asia, next to Japan and Singapore, according to the Asian Development Bank.
To make for a more stable energy baseload for the country’s electrical supply, the government is considering other energy sources, including nuclear.
Among those recommending nuclear energy is the National Academy of Science and Technology ( DOSTNA ST), the country’s advisory body on science and technology matters, which describes nuclear energy as “an attractive base load power generation source.”
In a statement, the DOST- NA ST said nuclear energy is “less sensitive to price volatility and remains one of the greener energy sources, which can aid in the world’s effort for climate- change mitigation.”
Benefits of nuclear
Sever al researchers and advocates believe that if proven successful, the technology on recovering uranium from seawater will fur ther suppor t affordability and accessibility of nuclear energy as it allows nuclear fuel to be sourced locally.
DOST- PNRI Director Carlo A. Arcilla said, “Successful incorporation of nuclear power into the country’s energy mix and local sourcing of nuclear fuel can alleviate electricity costs and accessibility.
“Lower cost of electricity can enable, enhance productivity and reduce risk of chronic poverty,” he added.
Based on studies using current estimates of the technology, the energy of return of investment ( EROI) from uranium sourced from seawater ranges from 12 to 27. Framelia V. Anonas and Bin Jeremiah Barba/s&t News Service