Question

    Everything about nuclear energy seems terrifically big: the cost, construction and decommissioning—and the fears of something going badly wrong.

The future, however may well be much smaller. Dozens of companies are working on a new generation of reactors that, they promise, can deliver nuclear power at lower cost and reduced risk.

These small-scale plants will on average generate between 50MW and 300MW of power compared with the 1,000MW-plus from a conventional reactor. They will draw on modular manufacturing techniques that will reduce construction risk, which has plagued larger-scale projects. Supporters believe these advanced modular reactors (AMRs)—most of which will not be commercial until the 2030s—are critical if atomic power is to compete against the rapidly falling costs of solar and wind.

“The physics hasn’t changed. It’s about much cleverer design that offers much-needed flexibility in terms of operation,” said Tim Stone, long-term industry adviser and chairman of Nuclear risk Insurers, which insures nuclear sites in the UK.

Since the Fukushima meltdown in Japan in 2011, safety fears have threatened nuclear power. But the biggest obstacle today is economic. In western Europe, just three plants are under construction: in the UK at Hinkley point  in Somerset; at Flamanville in France; and at Olkiluoto in Finland. All involve the European Pressurized Reactor technology of EDF that will be used at Hinkley Point. All are running years late and over budget. In the US, the first two nuclear projects under way for the past 30 years are also blowing through cost estimates.

The UK, which opened the world’s first commercial nuclear reactor in 1956, is one of the few western nations committed to renewing its ageing fleet to ensure energy security and meet tough carbon reduction targets. It is seen as a proving ground, by many in the industry, of nuclear power’s ability to restore confidence.

However, the country’s agreement with EDF to build two units at Hinkley Point—which together will generate 3.2GW of electricity—has come under severe criticism over its cost. The government is looking at different funding models but said it still sees nuclear power as vital to the country’s future energy mix. Small reactors, it believes, have the potential to generate much-needed power from the 2030s.

A nuclear sector deal, unveiled last month, promised up to ￡56m in funding for research and development into AMRs and attracted interest of start-ups from around the world. The government hopes the funding will give the UK a lead in the global race to develop these technologies, helping to provide energy security while also creating a multibillion-dollar export market for British engineering companies.

1.Which of the following is true about the advanced modular reactors (AMRs)?

A. AMRs produce more power than traditional reactors.

B. So far, most AMRs have not been put into use yet.

C. Small in scale, AMRs rose more safety risks.

D. Governments prefer energy of solar and wind to that of AMRs.

2.In paragraph 5, the author mentions the plants in Western Europe and the US to ________..

A. prove that nuclear power has been threatened by safety concern.

B. indicate the construction of nuclear plants are slow in speed.

C. show that the construction of nuclear power plants cost more than the budget available.

D. point out that most power plants have adopted the latest nuclear technology.

3.What can be inferred from the passage?

A. A kind costs for small modular reactors would be higher relative to large nuclear reactors.

B. The UK government seeks to reduce the negative impact of nuclear power on its economy.

C. The plan to build two power plants in Hinkley Point has been deserted.

D. Some people have lost confidence in the development of nuclear plants.

4.Which of the following can serve as the best title of this passage?

A. Britain counts on nuclear energy to keep lights on

B. Traditional nuclear plants boom with mini reactors

C. Nuclear power looks to shrink its way to success

D. Nuclear’s share of power generation remain stead

Answer

1.B

2.C

3.D

4.C

【解析】

本文是一篇记叙文。文章讲述的是有些人对核电站的发展失去了信心，核能的成功之路似乎正在缩小。

1.推理判断题。根据第三段中Supporters believe these advanced modular reactors (AMRs)—most of which will not be commercial until the 2030s“支持者认为，这些先进的模块化反应堆(AMRs)——其中大部分要到本世纪30年代才会商业化”。可知，到目前为止，大部分的AMRs还没有投入使用。故选B。

2.推理判断题。根据第五段中All involve the European Pressurized Reactor technology of EDF that will be used at Hinkley Point. All are running years late and over budget. In the US, the first two nuclear projects under way for the past 30 years are also blowing through cost estimates.“所有这些都涉及法国电力公司(EDF)将在Hinkley Point使用的欧洲加压反应堆技术。所有这些都比预算晚了好几年。在美国，过去30年正在进行的头两个核电项目也超出了成本估计。”由此可知，在第5段中，作者提到了西欧和美国的核电站，以表明建设核电站的成本超过了可用的预算。故选C。

3.推理判断题。根据第六段中It is seen as a proving ground, by many in the industry, of nuclear power’s ability to restore confidence.“许多业内人士认为，这是核能恢复信心能力的试验场。”可知，有些人对核电站的发展失去了信心。故选D。

4.主旨大意题。根据第一段Everything about nuclear energy seems terrifically big: the cost, construction and decommissioning—and the fears of something going badly wrong.“核能的一切似乎都大得可怕:成本、建设和退役——以及对某些事情可能会严重出错的担忧。”可知，核能的成功之路似乎正在缩小。故选C。