Jeníček V., Krepl V.
Abstract
Most developed economies have rediscovered the advantages of an energy less dangerous and cheaper than oil, natural
gas or uranium, which is found in big quantities all over the planet. For example, for the production of steel, it is
possible to use iron ore and coke or to recycle the iron scrap. The latter solution is more environment-friendly but by far
not sufficient, namely because the world demand for steel is higher than the amount of iron scrap to the disposal.
Moreover, certain types of steel, e.g. for car chassis, can be produced only from the iron ore and coke. For the
production of 1 ton of coke there is necessary 1.25 tons of the coke coal, for the production of 1 ton of steel 470 kg of
coke. From one ton of cast iron can be, for technological reasons with the addition of iron scrap, produced 1.05 tons of
steel. The coke can be replaced by natural gas, but it is efficient only in the oil or gas producing countries. Besides, the
capacity of such convertors is much lower than of the classical ones.
Key words:
coal, nuclear energy, dependent on nuclear energy, uranium stocks