Solar flares, also called coronal mass ejections, occur at the surface of the sun and are linked to the release of enormous amounts of energy and particles that travel rapidly in space.
Canadian nuclear power plants are protected against the potential disruptions that could be caused by large solar flares.
While the particles can generate astounding visual effects like the Northern Lights when they reach the Earth, they can also cause power fluctuations and disruptions in the electrical grid and telecommunication systems.
The loss of power in the electrical grid to cool the reactor and the used fuel pools – whether caused by solar flares or by any other event – has been taken into account by reactor designers, operators and the CNSC in developing and enforcing regulations.
Nuclear Power Plants and Solar Flares
Solar flares, also called coronal mass ejections, occur at the surface of the sun and are linked to the release of enormous amounts of energy and particles that travel rapidly in space.
Canadian nuclear power plants are protected against the potential disruptions that could be caused by large solar flares.
While the particles can generate astounding visual effects like the Northern Lights when they reach the Earth, they can also cause power fluctuations and disruptions in the electrical grid and telecommunication systems.
The loss of power in the electrical grid to cool the reactor and the used fuel pools – whether caused by solar flares or by any other event – has been taken into account by reactor designers, operators and the CNSC in developing and enforcing regulations.
Nuclear Power Plants and Solar Flares