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The top pros and cons of nuclear energy
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As with any energy source, renewable or non-renewable, there are pros and cons to using nuclear energy. We'll review some of these top benefits and drawbacks to keep in mind when comparing nuclear to other energy sources.
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Top pros and cons of nuclear energy
Despite the limited development of nuclear power plants recently, nuclear energy still supplies about 20 percent of U.S. electricity. As with any energy source, it comes with various advantages and disadvantages. Here are just a few top ones to keep in mind:
Pros and cons of nuclear power
| Uranium is technically non-renewable | |
| Small land footprint | Very high upfront costs |
| High power output | Nuclear waste |
| Reliable energy source | Malfunctions can be catastrophic |
| The Dukovany Power Plant, a typical light water reactor. (Source: ) |
According to the 2017 BP Statistical Review of World Energy, about 4.7% of the world's energy budget is dedicated to nuclear energy. [1] The utilization of nuclear power has been portrayed negatively in the media. Although there are severe consequences if a nuclear power plant goes awry, there are also many benefits associated with its usage. The purpose of this paper is to inform readers about the advantages and disadvantages of using nuclear power to create electrical energy.
Advantages of Nuclear Power
Most light water reactors (See Fig. 1) that make up the world's nuclear capacity create electricity at costs of between $0.025 and $0.07 USD per kilowatt-hour dependent upon the design and requirements of each reactor, and experiences many favorable variables such as government subsidies and research. [2] To put into perspective, in California, the wholesale price to produce electricity from natural gas is approximately $0.05 USD per kilowatt-hour, revealing that nuclear energy may or may not be as costly as other alternatives in certain geographical areas. In addition, nuclear energy by far has the lowest impact on the environment since it does not release any gases like carbon dioxide or methane, which are largely responsible for the greenhouse effect." [3] As a result, this differentiates nuclear energy from fossil fuels in that it does not produce negative carbon externalities as a byproduct, "though some greenhouse gases are released while transporting fuel or extracting energy from uranium." [3] The factor of scarcity is not of concern when it comes to the reactors fuel source, which is primarily uranium. There are roughly 5.5 million tonnes of uranium in the known reserves that could be mined at $130 USD per kilogram. [2] Currently, with the world's consumption of around 66,500 tonnes per year, there is about 80 years worth of fuel with the known reserves since the element is relatively abundant in the earth's crust. The main advantage to nuclear energy is that is it relatively low-cost and consistently runs on its full potential, making it the ideal source to power national grids. [2,4]
Disadvantages of Nuclear Power
The hindrance in the growth of nuclear energy is due to many complex reasons, and a major component is the nuclear waste. The further implementations of nuclear power are limited because although nuclear energy does not produce CO 2 the way fossil fuels do, there is still a toxic byproduct produced from uranium-fueled nuclear cycles: radioactive fission waste. 1 tonne of fresh fuel rod waste from a nuclear reactor would give you a fatal dose of radiation in 10 seconds if placed 3 meters away. Plutonium is also of concern, as it increases an exposed person's potential in developing liver, bone, or lung cancer. [5] There is also a negative political perception associated with nuclear plants and nuclear weapons, so expansive growth of nuclear energy is difficult to accomplish. In addition, nuclear power plants could also be ideal targets for terrorists due to the fissile plutonium components of the waste, which could be reused as bomb fuel. [2] Also a terrorist attack on a large reactor would cause a widespread radiation catastrophe at a scale similar to Chernobyl. The final disadvantage is the plant's concentrated level of capital. Although the fuel cost to produce power using nuclear energy is relatively low, there is still the necessity of having highly skilled workers to build, maintain and monitor the operations to ensure the safety and process of the plant.
© Jesse Kuet. The author warrants that the work is the author's own and that Stanford University provided no input other than typesetting and referencing guidelines. The author grants permission to copy, distribute and display this work in unaltered form, with attribution to the author, for noncommercial purposes only. All other rights, including commercial rights, are reserved to the author.
[1] " BP Statistical Review of World Energy 2017 ," British Petroleum, June 2017.
[2] Q. Schiermeier, "Energy Alternatives: Electricity without Carbon," Nature 454 , 816 (2008).
[3] T. Thomas, " "Advantages of Nuclear Energy Use ," Physics 241, Stanford University, Winter 2016.
[4] G. Cravens, Power to Save the World: The Truth About Nuclear Energy (Knopf, 2008).
[5] D. M. Taylor, "Environmental Plutonium in Humans," Appl. Radiat. Isotopes 46 , 1245 (1995).
Pros and Cons of Nuclear Power Essay
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Introduction
Nuclear power pros, nuclear power cons, impacts of nuclear energy on the society, works cited.
Nuclear power in description is a contained nuclear fission that generates electricity and heat. Nuclear power plants provide about 6% of the world’s energy and 14% of electricity. Nuclear energy is neither green nor sustainable energy because of the life threatening aspect from its wastes and the nuclear plants themselves.
Another reason is that its only source of raw material is only available on earth. On the other hand, nuclear energy is a non-renewable energy because of the scarcity of its source fuel, uranium, which has an estimation of about 30 to 60 years before it becomes extinct (Florida State University 1).
Nuclear power has quite a number of pros associated with its use. The first pro of nuclear energy is that it emits little pollution to the environment. A power plant that uses coal emits more radiation than nuclear powered plant. Another pro of nuclear energy is that it is reliable.
Because of the fact that nuclear plants uses little fuel, their vulnerability to natural disasters or strikes is limited. The next pro is safety that nuclear energy provides. Safety is both a pro and a con, depending on what point of view one takes. Nevertheless, even though results from a reactor can be disastrous, prevention mechanisms for it work perfectly well with it. Another pro that is associated with nuclear energy is efficiency.
In considering the different economic viewpoints, nuclear energy offers the best solution in energy provision and is more advantageous. In addition, we have portability as the next pro of nuclear energy. A high amount of nuclear energy can be contained in a very small amount of volume. Lastly, the technology that nuclear energy adopts is readily available and does not require development before use (Time for change.org 1).
On the other hand, nuclear energy has a number of cons that are associated with its usage. First is the problem of radioactive waste, whereby nuclear energy waste from it is extremely dangerous and needs careful look-up.
The other con of nuclear energy is that of its waste storage. A good number of wastes from nuclear energy are radioactive even thousands of years later since they contain both radioactive and fissionable materials. These materials are removable through a process called reprocessing which is through clearing all the fissionable materials in the nuclear fuel.
The next con of nuclear energy is the occurrence of a meltdown. A meltdown can be the worst-case scenario that can ever occur in a nuclear energy plant because its effects are deadly. The effects of a meltdown are very huge with estimation that radioactive contamination can cover a distance of over a thousand miles in radius. The final downturn associated with nuclear energy is radiation. Radiation mostly is associated with effects such as cancer, mutation and radiation sickness (Green Energy, Inc. 1).
The society being an association that has people of diverse ideologies and faiths regarding the production and consumption of energy, and economic goods, to the good life and good society. Nuclear energy should serve social justice and quality of life rather than being looked upon as end in it.
The existence of technology is purposely for serving human needs; it can destroy people and human values, deliberately or by unintended consequences. Because of this, the technological processes are guided by values that require constant public scrutiny and discussion.
Nuclear energy has implications towards the political viewpoint in that a country might wish to take advantage of its nuclear weapons to gain control of others. This will deprive others of their democratic rights coexist within their territory without interference of intruders.
Legal impacts
In terms of the legal impacts of nuclear energy, there are regulations that gives rights to who or which organizations have the authority to own nuclear facilities. The legal implications also target what specific standards are set out for adequate protection and what risks are not acceptable.
From the above discussion, in comparing the pros and cons of nuclear energy, one can conclude that as much as nuclear energy has severe effects to people and environment it also has varied benefits. In my own viewpoint, I presume to counter with the cons rather than the pros. It is evident what devastating effect nuclear energy has on the environment and as much as it benefits the environment through low pollution, in case of an accident and there is a meltdown the whole environment will be wiped out.
In a moral standpoint, I believe that lives of people are more important than energy sources. In as much as we would wish to have the most reliable energy source, our lives is the most important than any other thing (Florida State University 1).
In conclusion, it is evident from the mentioned pros and cons that nuclear energy is not the all-time solution to any problem. One can argue that to the extreme it is much of a problem source that a solution. In an effort to getting a good life, withstanding the ethical and moral issues, we should always strive for sustaining our lives to the best way possible. Nevertheless, many of the social and ethical issues associated with emerging nuclear power require determinate, immediate, distinct, significant actions (Falk 1).
Falk, Jim. Global Fission: The Battle over Nuclear Power. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1982. Print.
Florida State University. “Pros of Nuclear Power.” eng.fsu.edu . FSU, n.d. Web.
Green Energy, Inc. “Pros and Cons of Nuclear Power.” greenenergyhelpfiles.com . Green Energy, n.d. Web.
Time for change.org. “ Pros and cons of nuclear power ”. timeforchange.org. Time For Change, n.d. Web.
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10 Advantages and Disadvantages of Nuclear Energy
Nuclear energy, lauded for its significant power-generating potential and relatively low carbon footprint, is a subject of intense debate due to its associated risks. It is efficient but potential accidents, radioactive waste disposal challenges, and the risk of weaponization are big concerns. These factors underscore the necessity of a comprehensive understanding of both the advantages and disadvantages of nuclear energy.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Nuclear Energy
Nuclear Energy involves the release of energy from an atom’s nucleus , achieved through either nuclear fission or nuclear fusion. Power plants utilize this energy to generate electricity for various purposes.
The energy released from the compact nucleus of an atom is exceptionally high, owing to the strong force that binds the nucleus together. This energy is liberated through the process of nuclear fission, wherein the heavy nucleus of elements like uranium, plutonium, or thorium splits into lighter nuclei upon collision with a neutron. Uranium stands as the most commonly utilized material for producing nuclear energy. The site where nuclear fission occurs to create electricity is known as a nuclear power plant.
Nuclear energy is classified as a non-renewable energy source , primarily due to the finite nature of the materials used in its production. Now, let’s first take a look at how nuclear energy works, then we can move towards understanding the advantages and disadvantages of nuclear energy.
How Does Nuclear Energy Work?
Before learning about nuclear energy advantages and disadvantages, it’s important to know how nuclear energy works. A nuclear reactor functions similarly to other power plants, using a chain reaction to produce energy that converts water into steam . This steam, under pressure, drives a turbine connected to a generator that ultimately generates electricity.
The distinctive aspect lies in the method of heat production. Unlike fossil fuel power plants that burn coal, oil, or natural gas, nuclear energy plants generate heat through the process of splitting atoms, known as nuclear fission.
In a Pressurized Water Reactor (PWR), the high pressure within the reactor vessel prevents water from boiling. The super-heated water is channeled to a steam generator, comprising numerous small pipes. The heat in these pipes converts a separate water supply into steam, propelling the turbine. The water from the reactor is then circulated back, reheated, and reused. The steam from the turbine is subsequently cooled in a condenser, with the resulting water returning to the steam generator. This explains how nuclear energy works, now let’s explore the advantages and disadvantages of nuclear energy.
Advantages of Nuclear Energy
The advantages and disadvantages of nuclear energy are critical considerations in evaluating its capacity for efficient electricity generation and potential environmental and security risks. Nuclear energy offers the following advantages:
1. Enhanced Energy Capacity
- One kilogram of 4% enriched fuel-grade uranium can produce the equivalent of 100 tons of high-grade coal , replacing approximately 60 tons of oil consumption when a facility goes online.
- Provides a stable and reliable energy source compatible with grids worldwide.
2. Fuel Reusability
- Uranium-235, a common fuel in nuclear projects, can be reused after initial consumption , potentially leading to a future with zero waste .
- Thorium, another reprocessable option, allows for the reuse of spent waste, minimizing the need for future uranium mining.
3. Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction
- Nuclear energy aids in decreasing greenhouse gas emissions , as seen in Europe and Russia, resulting in a substantial reduction of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere.
- Promoting nuclear energy can effectively contribute to environmental sustainability in the developed world.
4. Economic Boost for Countries
- Nuclear energy serves as a critical sector for numerous countries, fostering energy independence and stable economic growth.
- Competitively priced with other forms of electricity generation, except where direct access to low-cost fossil fuels exists.
5. Exceptional Reliability of Facilities
- Nuclear power plants exhibit remarkable longevity , surpassing initial life expectancy estimates by 50%, with existing uranium reserves capable of meeting current energy needs for over a century.
- Advancements in fuel recycling technology hold the potential to extend the longevity of nuclear energy facilities further.
Also See: 5 Major Advantages and Disadvantages of Hydroelectric Energy
6. Safety Assurance
- Despite concerns about radiation, nuclear energy maintains one of the lowest mortality rates compared to other fuel sources, including coal-fired and eco-friendly alternatives like solar energy.
- Offers a viable energy source for communities requiring increased electricity production.
7. Manageable Costs
- Development costs of nuclear energy remain comparable to those of wind or solar power, while operational expenses are notably lower than fossil fuel alternatives.
- Front-end costs are significantly lower compared to natural gas and coal, making it economically feasible for most developed countries.
8. Proven and Reliable Resource
- With over 30 countries currently utilizing nuclear energy and comprising approximately 10% of global electricity production, it stands as a well-established and dependable energy source.
- Several countries, including Belgium, Slovakia, Ukraine, Hungary, and France, rely predominantly on nuclear power.
9. High Energy Efficiency and Power Density
- Nuclear energy demonstrates high efficiency, capable of generating electricity for up to 36 months from a single reaction , far surpassing the efficiency of traditional fossil fuels.
- Requires minimal fuel compared to other energy production methods, offering significantly higher electricity generation potential per unit of fuel. This includes an exponentially higher energy output compared to chemical reactions.
10. Versatile Applications
- While primarily used for electricity generation, nuclear power finds application across various sectors due to the stability and long-distance coverage of its energy output.
- Potential utilization in space and naval applications demonstrates the diverse capabilities of nuclear energy.
Now to fully understand the pros and cons of nuclear energy, let’s explore the points below.
Also Read: Hydrogen Energy Advantages and Disadvantages
Disadvantages of Nuclear Energy
Despite its low carbon emissions, nuclear energy poses significant drawbacks. Let’s learn about these drawbacks to fully grasp all about nuclear energy’s advantages and disadvantages:
1. Potential for Catastrophic Accidents
- Events like the Chernobyl disaster and the Fukushima incident underscore the risks of nuclear energy, leading to widespread health issues and environmental damage.
- Various accidents worldwide have caused substantial financial losses and long-term cleanup efforts.
2. Nuclear Energy’s Weaponization Potential
- Nuclear energy can be weaponized, with historical instances like the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki serving as grim reminders.
- The development of more powerful nuclear weapons raises concerns about preventing the technology from falling into the wrong hands.
3. Radioactive Waste Management Challenges
- While nuclear energy presents a cleaner energy source, it generates hazardous radioactive waste that poses significant long-term environmental risks.
- Disposing of nuclear waste incurs substantial costs, leading to financial burdens for governments and taxpayers.
4. Health Risks Associated with Exposure
- Nuclear energy production results in the release of ionizing radiation , potentially causing severe health issues, particularly affecting thyroid function and increasing the risk of cancer.
- Strict safety measures and protective gear are necessary for workers in nuclear facilities to minimize the risk of exposure.
Also See: 10 Ocean Energy Advantages and Disadvantages
5. Non-Renewable Resource Dependency
- Despite its clean-burning nature, nuclear energy relies on uranium and, to some extent, thorium, both of which are finite resources.
- The need for ongoing uranium reserves poses a challenge, particularly as some countries may face depleting stores within the next few decades.
6. Costly Long-Term Storage
- The storage and management of nuclear waste come with substantial financial burdens, often exceeding the initial construction costs of nuclear facilities.
- Inefficient management strategies and failed promises regarding waste collection contribute to the growing financial liability.
7. Environmental Impact of Uranium Mining
- Uranium mining and refining processes, including in-situ leach mining and open-pit mining , carry significant environmental consequences and high production costs.
- The environmental impact of these mining methods contributes to additional challenges in managing nuclear energy’s ecological footprint .
8. Inefficient Energy Transmission
- Inadequate infrastructure for efficient energy transmission results in considerable electricity losses during distribution , adding to the overall energy inefficiency of nuclear power.
- The high cost of upgrading transmission lines to minimize losses presents a significant financial challenge for many countries.
Also See: 4 Major Advantages and Disadvantages of Tidal Energy
9. Lack of Viable Alternatives
- The absence of a clear alternative energy plan poses a significant challenge if nuclear energy were to become obsolete.
- Transitioning away from nuclear energy presents substantial financial and logistical hurdles, putting pressure on future generations to find sustainable solutions.
10. Prolonged Construction Timelines
- Building new nuclear facilities can take over a decade , leading many countries to opt for faster energy solutions to meet immediate demand.
- The prolonged construction timelines contribute to the reliance on alternative energy sources, including fossil fuels, despite their associated environmental concerns.
This sums up the pros and cons of nuclear energy.
While acknowledging the cons of nuclear power such as radiation exposure and environmental harm, it remains a highly efficient and cost-effective electricity generation method. Hence, we need to balance its benefits and drawbacks by taking proactive measures, thus offering a promising pathway for the future.
Source: Advantages and Challenges of Nuclear Energy
Olivia is committed to green energy and works to help ensure our planet's long-term habitability. She takes part in environmental conservation by recycling and avoiding single-use plastic.
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Nuclear Energy Advantages and Disadvantages: An Important IELTS Writing Task 2 Topic
Nuclear energy improves air quality by providing large quantities of carbon-free energy. It empowers people in 28 States in the u.s. and leads to many non-electric projects, ranging from the healthcare profession to space research.
The US Department of Energy’s Nuclear Energy Office or DOE conducts its studies mainly on sustaining the current reactor fleet, creating innovative modern reactor technology, and enhancing the nuclear fuel cycle to improve the reliability of our energy supplies and boost the US economy.
Below are some of the main advantages and disadvantages of nuclear energy in the format of nuclear energy task 2 of the IELTS exam .
IELTS Sample: Nuclear Energy Advantages and Disadvantages
Producing energy from nuclear plants significantly increases the risk but promises great benefits. In action, a relatively small volume of nuclear fuel can reliably create a very large amount of energy and contain very little polluting content. Nevertheless, the financial costs of constructing and decommissioning a nuclear power plant are extremely high and the waste generated will stay radioactive hazardous to people and the environment for hundreds of years.
Also Read: How to Write Agree and Disagree Essays in IELTS? Tips to Write the Perfect Essay
Nuclear Energy Advantages and Disadvantages: Tabular Form
| No production of polluting gases | Waste is toxic and proper disposal is very costly and difficult. |
| Does not rise global warming | Local thermal contamination impacts aquatic life. |
| The fuel cost is low | Large-scale incidents can be devastating. |
| Decreases mining and transportation effects on the environment | Construction costs and safe waste storage are very high. |
| The power station has a long lifetime period | Cannot respond rapidly to changes in demand for electricity. |
Benefits of Nuclear Energy
Great energy capacity.
Upon full combustion, 1 kg of enriched uranium by up to 4 per cent (which is used in reactor material) discharges equivalent energy to that collected by burning about 100 tonnes of high-quality coal combustion or 60 tonnes of oil.
Reusability
The fission component (Uranium-235) is not totally burned in nuclear fuel and can be recycled after regeneration. A total transition to a closed fuel cycle is possible in the near future which means that no waste will be generated.
Reducing Greenhouse Gases
Intensive production of nuclear technology can be used as a way of countering global warming. Each year, nuclear power stations in Europe emit 700 million tonnes of CO2 and those in Japan cause 270 million tonnes of CO2 to be avoided. Per year, operating Russian nuclear power plants prohibit the release of 210 million tonnes of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. Russia ranks 4th in the world
Also Read: IELTS Essay in Writing Task 2: Here’s How to Organize it Well
Economic Development
The construction of nuclear power plants stimulates economic prosperity and new jobs. 1 position in nuclear power plant building generates 10 to 15 positions in associated industries. The creation of nuclear technology leads to the growth of science and to national cognitive capacities.
IELTS Opinion Essay Topic: Nuclear Energy is a Better Choice for Meeting the Increasing Demand
The option of nuclear energy as a resource is questionable. Presently, this energy is recommended as a favoured alternative to satisfy the immense need. Many people believe that nuclear technology is the safest form of electricity generation since it is less fragile than others. They are expected to emit less carbon dioxide than other forms of sources used to create the current.
Break the Paragraph
As there is less development of greenhouse emissions, there is reduced risk to the atmosphere due to the elimination of acid rain, global warming, etc. As an example, before using this source to generate the new, China’s emission rate was unmanageable, but after using it, it decreased by 80 per cent. Previously, China used fossil fuels, which emitted a large number of greenhouse emissions, and in the process, they became very dangerous both to the atmosphere and to humans.
In contrast, it is very clear that the nuclear power plant offers multiple advantages to the public in terms of noise, energy supply and therefore does not conflict with the daily lifestyle of the local region.
In the next five decades, humanity will require more energy than has been used in the whole intervening period. Early forecasts about the rise of energy demand and the advancement of alternative energy technology have not come true: the pace of consumption is increasing even faster, although new energy sources will become readily available at reasonable rates no later than 2050. The shortage of fossil fuels is now more and more important than ever.
Keep your eyes here to keep learning about more such IELTS topics and keep yourself a step ahead of other IELTS aspirants. Best of luck!
Also Read: Importance of Art in Society: IELTS Essay Sample for IELTS Writing Task 2 Explained for Band 8
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Home — Essay Samples — Science — Nuclear Power — Advantages and Disadvantages of Nuclear Power
Advantages and Disadvantages of Nuclear Power
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Published: Aug 30, 2022
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Nuclear Energy – Advantages and Disadvantages
Filed Under: Essays
Abstract “Growing concerns over climate change have highlighted the need to step up contribution of nuclear energy in the energy mix and to reduce the dependence on fossil fuels in the years to come. This essay discusses some of the major advantages and disadvantages of nuclear energy.”
Introduction Nuclear energy represents only 15% of the electricity produced worldwide. Though in France, 80% of its electricity production is from nuclear energy and more than one-fourth of electricity in Europe comes from nuclear energy. Nuclear energy represents a very small percentage in many countries’ total electricity production, but this percentage is likely to go up in the coming years. nuclear power is generated using Uranium, a mineral of which one of the isotopes, U- 234 is unstable. The nucleus breaks down resulting in the emission of heat and radiation followed by a chain reaction. This is called nuclear fission and this process liberates a large amount of energy, but the process also releases radiation which is very dangerous.
What are the Advantages of Nuclear Energy?
Clean Energy Nuclear energy has the ability to produce electricity without greenhouse gas emissions. It produces electricity without pollution. It is cleaner than many other forms of energy production. Essentially, nuclear power would be “carbon-zero” if the uranium were mined and transported in a more efficient way.
The Essay on Nuclear History Energy Fuel Electricity
WHAT IS NUCLEAR ENERGY Nuclear energy is made up of tiny atoms. All matter has atoms. One drop of water has one six trillion atoms. It would take one hundred million atoms to equal the length of one centimeter. An atom is mostly empty space. At the center of an atom, there is a nucleus. The plural of nucleus is nuclei. Around the nucleus is a cloud of moving electrons. All the atom's mass is in ...
High Quantities Nuclear reaction releases a million times more energy, as compared to hydro or wind energy. Large quantity of energy is generated from a single nuclear power plant.
High Reserves Nuclear reactors make use of uranium as fuel and produces huge amounts of energy from small amounts of uranium. The Earth has the high reserves of uranium. Current estimates put the uranium supply as enough to last for 30 to 60 years. Moreover other fuel cycles like Thorium are available for power generation. Whereas, oil reserves and other fossil type fuels are likely to run out shortly.
Reliability Nuclear power plants operate reliably and have a continuous output of power.The plants do not generally face operations and maintenance problems. This is a contrast to other alternative energies which depend on the activity of the weather.
Low Operating cost Although nuclear power reactors are expensive to build, they are relatively cheap to operate. Fuel is inexpensive and a plant can be operated by small number of people, approximately 10 people.
Concentration The nuclear energy is by far the most concentrated form of energy, so it can be produced in large quantities over short periods of time.
Low Waste Produces small amounts of waste and waste is more compact.
Cheap Nuclear energy produces electricity at a competitive price and is generally comparable in output to coal plants.
Location A nuclear plant is not dependant on local sources like oil and coal and can be set up in any part of the globe. It also does not require a lot of space and so can be placed in already developed areas and the power does not have to be transferred over long distances.
The Essay on Nuclear Energy: Should We Use It
... cost. Nuclear energy should not be used. The first disadvantage I would like to talk about is terrorism. Nuclear power plants and nuclear waste ... greatest factors of concern in using nuclear energy for electricity is the undeniably high risks that can potentially harm people ... sustainable. Lastly, probably the greatest disadvantage to using nuclear energy is the high risk of meltdown. When there is a ...
What are the Disadvantages of Nuclear Energy?
Nuclear Weapons Threat It has potential nuclear proliferation issues. Some reactors produce plutonium which can be used to make nuclear weapons. Nuclear weapons are a major threat to the world as they can cause a large-scale devastation.
High Capital Intensive Nuclear Plants require a high level of technology and a major initial capital investment. Its abandonment cost is also very high.
Long Gestation Period It takes a long time to build, about 15-20 years to develop a single plant.
Radioactive Waste There are issues with management of radioactive waste. The spent fuel is highly radioactive and has to be carefully stored for many years after use. A solution to the waste management problem needs to be explored and developed. This has R&D cost.
Disasters, Accidents & Risk An accident may cause a major disaster resulting in thousands of casualties and releasing high amounts of radiation into the environment, example: explosion of a reactor at Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant in Ukraine and melting of the core of a reactor at Three-Mile Island in the United States.
Non-renewable energy Nuclear energy is an alternative energy but not a renewable energy as Uranium is a non-renewable source and its supplies are limited.
Terrorism Nuclear plants may be vunerable targets to anyone wanting to disrupt the power supply, and to have quite horrific results and to devastate an entire region.
Conclusion Today, nuclear energy remains controversial. There are proponents and opponents of nuclear energy, but nuclear energy along with other green energies has a major role to play in years to come. The actions to mitigate the risk associated with nuclear energy need to given due importance to harness its full potential.
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21 Advantages and Disadvantages of Nuclear Energy
During the next five decades, humans are going to consume more energy than they have over the course of our entire recorded history. The levels of consumption for fossil fuels give us a window of 60 years or less with currently known and expected resource discovery to find a new way to produce power. If we cannot replace all of our fossil fuels with renewables, then this fact will force a lifestyle change on everyone.
Even with hydropower and geothermal taking the lead for new electricity generation, the options for installing new capacity remain limited. Measures that prevent the consumption of natural gas, oil, or coal reduce the number of construction efforts that become possible in some countries.
Those issues are the reason behind a resurgence in the popularity of nuclear energy. This industry is one of the youngest ones operating in the power sector of our economy, providing a stable source of electricity and plenty of benefits with relatively few problems to manage.
These are the advantages and disadvantages of nuclear energy to review when evaluating this subject.
List of the Advantages of Nuclear Energy
1. Nuclear energy provides an enormous capacity. When you have only one kilogram of 4% enriched fuel-grade uranium, then it can release the equivalent of 100 tons of high-grade coal. That means it can also replace about 60 tons of oil consumption once a facility goes online. It is just as stable as the electricity and energy generated by fossil fuels while offering a powerful resource for a baseline product that works with the grids all over the world.
2. We can reuse the fuel from nuclear energy projects. One of the most common fuels that we use in a nuclear energy project is called Uranium-235. When we consume this element for energy, it does not entirely expire when placed in the nuclear reactor. It is possible for facilities to reuse it again after generation. When we consume fossil fuels, the slag or ash that remains is generally not well-suited for any other project. As we transition to a future that works with closed fuel cycles, then there is the possibility that this technology will generate zero waste in the future.
Another option with this advantage is called thorium. This spent waste comes from the leftovers of the reaction and the heavy water created. Instead of placing the leftovers into a holding facility, we can process it to continue using what we already have to reduce the need for future uranium mining.
3. This technology helps us to start reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Any project that we start will consume fossil fuels at some level. The building materials, refining processes, and transportation networks needed to create a nuclear energy facility will produce greenhouse gas emissions during the creation process. Once we bring the power generators online, the rapid development of this resource can start reducing our emissions footprint without compromising the amount of power we can access.
When we look at the data from only Europe, this technology is responsible for a 700 million ton reduction of carbon dioxide emissions when compared to fossil fuels. If you add all of Russia into that figure, another 210 million tons of CO2 doesn’t reach our atmosphere. That’s why an emphasis on nuclear energy and its benefits can make a lot of sense for the developed world.
4. Nuclear energy provides countries with an economic boost. Nuclear energy may not be the most influential component of the American economy, but it is an essential sector for most countries around the world. When there is dynamic development in this sector, then the government can ensure some of the basic conditions that are necessary for energy independence and stable economic growth.
Nuclear power is cost-competitive with all other forms of electricity generation. The only exception to this advantage is in locations where a power plant has direct access to low-cost fossil fuels.
5. The facilities that produce nuclear energy are exceptionally reliable. The first nuclear power plants that humans built had an expected lifespan of 40 to 50 years. As we have taken care of these facilities and figured out how to maximize their production levels, we have come to discover that this estimate was only 50% of what the technology could provide. Using our current figures of uranium, there is enough product available right now to handle our existing energy needs for more than a century.
New technologies that allow us to recycle the fuel coming from nuclear energy could possibly extend this benefit even further.
6. Nuclear energy is a safe resource to use. One of the primary reasons people shy away from the idea of using nuclear energy is the threat of radiation. When you say the word “Chernobyl,” then the haunting pictures of radioactive fallout come to mind. The reality of this industry is that it is very safe. It has one of the lowest mortality rates in the world for every 1 trillion kilowatts it generates when compared to other fuel resources.
When you compare coal-fired energy to nuclear options, then the fossil fuel causes 20,000 times more fatalities for every 1 trillion kilowatts generated. Even eco-friendly options like solar energy have a rate that is twice as much as this industry offers. That’s why it is often in the discussion for a new energy resource for communities that need more electricity.
7. The cost of nuclear energy is manageable for most countries. If we were to develop nuclear energy in the same way that we’re working with renewables like wind or solar, then the costs would be almost equal. The estimated cost of a new nuclear facility in the United States is approximately $9 billion. Once that generator comes online, then the ongoing expenses are about 20% lower than what you would find with a fossil fuel facility with a similar output.
Nuclear energy only has about 15% of its total expenses in the front-end costs of a new facility. When you compare that to natural gas (87%) or coal (78%), then the expenses are manageable over time for most developed countries.
8. Nuclear energy is a proven and reliable resource. Over 30 different countries are currently using nuclear energy to meet their power generation needs. About 10% of the total electricity that we produce each year comes from this industry. Americans have a rate that is double the worldwide average without a significant incident except for the Three Mile Island story.
There are five countries (Belgium, Slovakia, Ukraine, Hungary, and France) that receive their primary energy from nuclear power.
9. This energy resource provides us with a highly efficient source of energy. When we can control a nuclear energy reaction correctly, then the process has the capability of generating power for electricity generation for up to 36 months. That means this resource is up to 8,000 times better from an efficiency standpoint than the traditional fossil fuels that we consume every day. Even when we make improvements to our traditional technology, like clean coal or biomass, the efficiency ratings do not come anywhere near what a nuclear reactor provides when it goes online.
You also have the benefit with nuclear energy in that it can operate at any time of day. That means it as efficiency superiority over most renewables, including wind and solar.
10. The density of nuclear power is one of the highest ratings in the world. The amount of fuel that is required for nuclear energy to be generated is incredibly small compared to other forms of energy production. According to Atomic Insights, uranium provides 16,000 times more electricity than coal does when compared in a pound-for-pound manner. When comparing new technologies to perform nuclear fission or fusion, the comparison rate may be more than 2 million to 1. The ratio of nuclear reactions to chemical reactions is closer to 10 million to 1.
11. We can use nuclear energy in a variety of ways. The primary use of nuclear power is usually for electricity generation, but there are a variety of methods and applications that benefit from this technology. This advantage is due to the stability of the energy created from the reaction since it can cover massive distances. Even though the United States loses trillions of BTUs through electrical transmissions, we can supply rural areas with a significant source of power so that they can meet a variety of needs.
We have even tested the use of nuclear reactors in outer space. The U.S. tested the SNAP-10A reactor in orbit for 43 days in 1965. New technologies suggest that this resource could be a power source for engines in the same way that we use them in some submarines and other naval vessels.
List of the Disadvantages of Nuclear Energy
1. There is always the threat of an accident when working with nuclear energy. When the incident at Chernobyl occurred, modern estimates suggest that up to 30,000 people were killed in the initial fallout and the aftermath of radiation settling into the ground. About 3 million people in the region still struggle with health problems because of their exposure during this incident. It is a problem that can exist for multiple generations. Another incident occurred in Japan after a tsunami overwhelmed a coastal nuclear facility.
The United States has not been immune to this disadvantage either. There have been over 50 accidents at nuclear reactors that have either caused more than $50,000 in damages or involved a fatality. The Three Mile Island accident involved a partial meltdown of Reactor #2 and a radiation leak near Harrisburg, resulting in a cleanup cost that totaled more than $1 billion and required about 15 years of work to complete.
2. The uranium needed for nuclear energy can also become a weapon. We can turn nuclear energy into a devastating weapon that can haunt countries and communities for generations afterward. The United States is the only country that has unleashed this hell during a time of conflict, dropping weapons on Hiroshima and Nagasaki as a way to end World War II immediately. Those bombs took hundreds of thousands of lives, and it left fallout issues like cancer and birth defects in those population centers for decades.
Today’s nuclear weapons are 3,000 times more powerful than what Americans developed with their allies in the 1940s. The largest weapon ever detonated using this technology produced 5.3 megatons of energy. This disadvantage means that we must become proactive about the ways that we guard its use so that it cannot fall into the hands of someone or a group who would use it for mass murder.
3. There is a waste issue to consider with nuclear energy. Nuclear energy offers the advantage of being a clean-burning source of energy. It also creates radioactive waste that is lethal to the environment and hazardous to people. If this waste is not disposed of correctly, then the harm it causes may last for thousands of years in some habitats. In the United States, losses that are immediately associated with the accommodation of nuclear waste materials are estimated to be a minimum of $38 billion. Politico reports that the expenses could be as high as $65 billion.
4. Exposure to nuclear materials or uranium can create health problems. The issue with nuclear energy is that it produces ionizing radiation as one of its side effects. Although these particles and waves occur in nature, the background exposure levels are much less than what you would receive when getting an x-ray. If an accident occurs, then the health impact on humans is immediate. The thyroid is especially sensitive to fallout exposure, and Cs-137 can have external or internal triggers that can cause problems. This disadvantage is the reason why you see workers in these facilities wearing an extensive amount of protective gear whenever they need to be around the equipment.
5. Nuclear energy does not provide us with a renewable energy resource. Although nuclear energy is not always classified in this manner, it is closer to a fossil fuel than it is a renewable power resource. We need to have uranium available for these facilities to operate, and it must be refined to a level that makes it useful for electricity generation. New facilities can consume thorium too, but this approach still forces us to be using a natural resource to create what we need.
We must find new reserves of uranium at some point to continue growing the nuclear power industry. There might be more time to find replacement options than coal or natural gas, but the clock is still ticking. The United States has an estimated 60 million pounds that are usable, but some countries have less than 20 years of product available to them.
6. There are long-term storage costs to consider with nuclear power. It might only cost $9 billion to build a new nuclear energy facility in the United States, but the American taxpayer is also managing a $38 billion annual bill to store the waste that these plants produce. That figure includes 38 states of management, so the expense is likely higher than $50 billion when all of the activities are brought into the figure.
What makes this disadvantage such a problem is that there are starts and stops that occur in the industry. The American government spent $15 billion to develop a nuclear waste repository at Yucca Mountain in Nevada, but it has never used it. Power utilities were also promised that the Department of Energy would start collecting their waste in 1998 – a promise that now has a $23 billion liability.
7. Uranium mining is necessary to support the nuclear energy industry. It is not a clean process that we use to mine and refine uranium. There are more than 1,000 holes drilled to look for this natural resource in the United States each year. It costs about $200 million to produce around 2.5 million pounds of usable product, which means the harvesting expenditures are much higher than they are for coal or natural gas. The most popular method is called in-situ leach mining, which is responsible for 45% of the industry. About 20% of the mines use the open pit method, creating an entirely new set of environmental issues that require management.
8. Inefficient nuclear energy transmissions generate a significant loss profile. To prevent electricity dissipation, high-voltage, low-loss transmission lines must be installed to support the nuclear energy industry. This addition to a network or grid comes at a higher cost when compared to the standard low-voltage transmission lines that experience higher levels of loss.
India can experience losses as high as 30% from electricity sent through the standard distribution grid when transmission issues combine with theft. In the United States, electricity losses can be as high as 13% for nuclear energy because the correct infrastructure is not in place.
9. We do not have a Plan B for when nuclear energy is no longer viable. Even though we are stockpiling resources around the world to generate electricity, the nuclear energy industry is far behind what coal, oil, and natural gas producers are offering. If Americans need to replace all of the operating facilities that use this technology, then the expense would be about 25% of the current national debt. That financial figure is an unreasonable expectation to put onto future generations. Since we have about 50 years to figure things out, now is the time that we need to become active in saving our societies and our planet.
10. It can take a long time to build a new nuclear facility. The average amount of time that it takes to build a new nuclear facility is 14.5 years. That includes the time at the planning phase to the moment it comes online. At the same time, about 7 million people die from pollution-related causes each year. 90% of those fatalities are directly connected to the combustion needed for energy. If we would switch our systems to nuclear, there would still be 93 million people who die before everything could become usable.
That long time lag between planning and operation is often why countries decide to fund fossil fuel plants or look at the idea of renewables. It is much easier to obtain construction permits and bring those facilities online.
There are certainly some dangers to consider when using nuclear power. The threats of radiation exposure and environmental damage are costly when they occur. Some people would say that we’ve been lucky to only experience a handful of severe incidents that have cost a lot of lives and created exclusion zones. The issue with nuclear weapons is also one to consider with this technology.
At the same time, nuclear power is one of the most efficient methods we have today to produce electricity. It has a better cost profile than most other resources, and this option reduces the number of greenhouse gases we release to the atmosphere each year.
The advantages and disadvantages of nuclear energy present a risk-reward scenario. If we are willing to be proactive with the ways that we protect society from a dangerous incident, then there is a powerful method of electricity generation that will take our societies safely into the future.
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- School Education /
Essay on Nuclear Energy in 500+ words for School Students
- Updated on
- Dec 30, 2023
Essay on Nuclear Energy: Nuclear energy has been fascinating and controversial since the beginning. Using atomic power to generate electricity holds the promise of huge energy supplies but we cannot overlook the concerns about safety, environmental impact, and the increase in potential weapon increase.
The blog will help you to explore various aspects of energy seeking its history, advantages, disadvantages, and role in addressing the global energy challenge.
Table of Contents
- 1 History Overview
- 2 Nuclear Technology
- 3 Advantages of Nuclear Energy
- 4 Disadvantages of Nuclear Energy
- 5 Safety Measures and Regulations of Nuclear Energy
- 6 Concerns of Nuclear Proliferation
- 7 Future Prospects and Innovations of Nuclear Energy
- 8 FAQs
Also Read: Find List of Nuclear Power Plants In India
History Overview
The roots of nuclear energy have their roots back to the early 20th century when innovative discoveries in physics laid the foundation for understanding atomic structure. In the year 1938, Otto Hahn, a German chemist and Fritz Stassman, a German physical chemist discovered nuclear fission, the splitting of atomic nuclei. This discovery opened the way for utilising the immense energy released during the process of fission.
Also Read: What are the Different Types of Energy?
Nuclear Technology
Nuclear power plants use controlled fission to produce heat. The heat generated is further used to produce steam, by turning the turbines connected to generators that produce electricity. This process takes place in two types of reactors: Pressurized Water Reactors (PWR) and Boiling Water Reactors (BWR). PWRs use pressurised water to transfer heat. Whereas, BWRs allow water to boil, which produces steam directly.
Also Read: Nuclear Engineering Course: Universities and Careers
Advantages of Nuclear Energy
Let us learn about the positive aspects of nuclear energy in the following:
1. High Energy Density
Nuclear energy possesses an unparalleled energy density which means that a small amount of nuclear fuel can produce a substantial amount of electricity. This high energy density efficiency makes nuclear power reliable and powerful.
2. Low Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Unlike other traditional fossil fuels, nuclear power generation produces minimum greenhouse gas emissions during electricity generation. The low greenhouse gas emissions feature positions nuclear energy as a potential solution to weakening climate change.
3. Base Load Power
Nuclear power plants provide consistent, baseload power, continuously operating at a stable output level. This makes nuclear energy reliable for meeting the constant demand for electricity, complementing intermittent renewable sources of energy like wind and solar.
Also Read: How to Become a Nuclear Engineer in India?
Disadvantages of Nuclear Energy
After learning the pros of nuclear energy, now let’s switch to the cons of nuclear energy.
1. Radioactive Waste
One of the most important challenges that is associated with nuclear energy is the management and disposal of radioactive waste. Nuclear power gives rise to spent fuel and other radioactive byproducts that require secure, long-term storage solutions.
2. Nuclear Accidents
The two catastrophic accidents at Chornobyl in 1986 and Fukushima in 2011 underlined the potential risks of nuclear power. These nuclear accidents can lead to severe environmental contamination, human casualties, and long-lasting negative perceptions of the technology.
3. High Initial Costs
The construction of nuclear power plants includes substantial upfront costs. Moreover, stringent safety measures contribute to the overall expenses, which makes nuclear energy economically challenging compared to some renewable alternatives.
Also Read: What is the IAEA Full Form?
Safety Measures and Regulations of Nuclear Energy
After recognizing the potential risks associated with nuclear energy, strict safety measures and regulations have been implemented worldwide. These safety measures include reactor design improvements, emergency preparedness, and ongoing monitoring of the plant operations. Regulatory bodies, such as the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) in the United States, play an important role in overseeing and enforcing safety standards.
Also Read: What is the Full Form of AEC?
Concerns of Nuclear Proliferation
The dual-use nature of nuclear technology raises concerns about the spread of nuclear weapons. The same nuclear technology used for the peaceful generation of electricity can be diverted for military purposes. International efforts, including the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), aim to help the proliferation of nuclear weapons and promote the peaceful use of nuclear energy.
Also Read: Dr. Homi J. Bhabha’s Education, Inventions & Discoveries
Future Prospects and Innovations of Nuclear Energy
The ongoing research and development into advanced reactor technologies are part of nuclear energy. Concepts like small modular reactors (SMRs) and Generation IV reactors aim to address safety, efficiency, and waste management concerns. Moreover, the exploration of nuclear fusion as a clean and virtually limitless energy source represents an innovation for future energy solutions.
Nuclear energy stands at the crossroads of possibility and peril, offering the possibility of addressing the world´s growing energy needs while posing important challenges. Striking a balance between utilising the benefits of nuclear power and alleviating its risks requires ongoing technological innovation, powerful safety measures, and international cooperation.
As we drive the complexities of perspective challenges of nuclear energy, the role of nuclear energy in the global energy mix remains a subject of ongoing debate and exploration.
Also Read: Essay on Science and Technology for Students: 100, 200, 350 Words
Ans. Nuclear energy is the energy released during nuclear reactions. Its importance lies in generating electricity, medical applications, and powering spacecraft.
Ans. Nuclear energy is exploited from the nucleus of atoms through processes like fission or fusion. It is a powerful and controversial energy source with applications in power generation and various technologies.
Ans. The five benefits of nuclear energy include: 1. Less greenhouse gas emissions 2. High energy density 3. Continuos power generation 4. Relatively low fuel consumption 5. Potential for reducing dependence on fossil fuels
Ans. Three important facts about nuclear energy: a. Nuclear fission releases a significant amount of energy. b. Nuclear power plants use controlled fission reactions to generate electricity. c. Nuclear fusion, combining atomic nuclei, is a potential future energy source.
Ans. Nuclear energy is considered best due to its low carbon footprint, high energy output, and potential to address energy needs. However, concerns about safety, radioactive waste, and proliferation risk are challenges that need careful consideration.
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Deepika Joshi
Deepika Joshi is an experienced content writer with expertise in creating educational and informative content. She has a year of experience writing content for speeches, essays, NCERT, study abroad and EdTech SaaS. Her strengths lie in conducting thorough research and ananlysis to provide accurate and up-to-date information to readers. She enjoys staying updated on new skills and knowledge, particulary in education domain. In her free time, she loves to read articles, and blogs with related to her field to further expand her expertise. In personal life, she loves creative writing and aspire to connect with innovative people who have fresh ideas to offer.
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Essay Sample on Advantages and Disadvantages of Nuclear Energy
| 📌Category: | |
| 📌Words: | 935 |
| 📌Pages: | 4 |
| 📌Published: | 13 March 2022 |
Nuclear energy, like other energy sources that people utilise, may have advantages and disadvantages. Nuclear energy is still a controversial and contentious topic. Scientists and international forums continue to debate the trade-offs between nuclear energy's problems and benefits. Many individuals feel that nuclear energy has only minor drawbacks that are easily outweighed by the numerous benefits. However, the drawbacks of the technology are far more concerning than people think.
Nuclear power facilities are extremely expensive to develop, despite the fact that they are quite affordable to operate. The anticipated cost of building a nuclear power station increased from $2-$4 billion to $9 billion between 2002 and 2008, and power facilities frequently exceed their cost projections during construction. Aside from the cost of constructing a power plant, nuclear power plants must also budget for the protection of the waste they generate and the storage of that material in cooled buildings with security measures in place. All of these expenses add up to a high price tag for nuclear electricity.
Nuclear energy often falls under fire because of the many disadvantages that Nuclear energy brings. It is believed that Nuclear energy is better for the environment because it does not produce as much greenhouse gas emissions but there are other factors of nuclear energy that all add up to being just as bad, if not worse for the environment. The mining and enrichment of uranium, the production, transportation, and reprocessing of nuclear fuel rods and waste, and the construction and decommissioning of reactors are all contributing factors. The generation of radioactive wastes such as uranium mill tailings, spent (used) reactor fuel, and other radioactive wastes is a serious environmental hazard associated with nuclear power. For thousands of years, these elements can stay radioactive and harmful to human health. Although nuclear energy does not emit any pollutants, it does produce radioactive waste, which must be safely kept to avoid polluting the environment. While radioactivity from cosmic rays in the air we breathe may seem frightening, we are continually exposed to modest amounts of it. Radiation isn't hazardous in tiny doses, but radioactive waste from nuclear power plants is extremely deadly. Nuclear power facilities have a huge difficulty in storing radioactive waste.
Nuclear power facilities have a bigger environmental effect than the trash they generate. Uranium mining and enrichment are not ecologically friendly methods. Open-pit uranium mining is safe for miners, but it produces radioactive particles, causes erosion, and pollutes local water supplies. Underground mining isn't much better, exposing miners to high levels of radiation while extracting and treating radioactive waste rock. Nuclear kilowatt per hour consumes far more water than wind or solar kilowatt per hour. Droughts and heat waves are becoming increasingly common. Furthermore, such climatic phenomena have the potential to impair nuclear power plant operations. During the scorching summer of 2003, one-quarter of France's nuclear reactors had to be shut down or operated at reduced capacity. Drought-caused fires can endanger nuclear power plants, as happened at Mayak in Russia (2010) and Los Alamos in the United States (2011). During the hurricane of 1999 in France, the Blayais nuclear power station near Bordeaux was flooded and came dangerously close to a meltdown. Even when the reactors are turned down, they require a continual source of power to keep them cold enough to avoid a core melt.
A nuclear meltdown happens when the quantity of heat generated by a nuclear reactor surpasses the amount of heat transported out by the cooling systems, causing the system to melt. If this happens, heated radioactive vapours can escape, causing nuclear power plants to entirely melt and burn, as well as releasing dangerous radioactive elements into the environment. When most people hear the word nuclear power plant, they immediately think of the Chernobyl tragedy. Although we don't know how many people died as a consequence of the Chernobyl disaster, it's believed that up to 10,000 people died as a result of the region's long-term radioactive impacts. The Fukushima nuclear power plant disaster in 2011 demonstrated that accidents can and do happen, no matter how safe nuclear power facilities are built to be. An uncontrolled nuclear reaction in a nuclear reactor could result in widespread contamination of air and water, endangering human health.
One of the most crucial things to remember is that nuclear energy relies on uranium and thorium to generate electricity. Reactors that use radioactive materials other than uranium, such as plutonium or thorium, are significantly more prone to accidents. We won't be able to generate electricity using the nuclear power plants we've constructed for the future unless we can find a means to manufacture nuclear fusion or develop breeder reactors before our supply runs out. Fuel for current nuclear technology is uranium ore, which is found in limited quantities in the earth's crust. The more we rely on nuclear power (and, in particular, uranium ore), the more depleted the earth's uranium resources become, raising the expense of extraction as well as the negative environmental implications of mining and processing uranium.
Although nuclear power has certain substantial benefits over coal and natural gas, these advantages vanish when compared to renewable energy alternatives, and the risk of environmental disaster is enormous and long-term. It is a firm view that there is no need to continue building new nuclear power plants, and that investments should be put in renewable and green energy resources that will not harm the world, such as wind, solar, hydro, wave, and other renewable and green energy resources. The disadvantages that nuclear energy brings to the environment include those of: Nuclear power facilities generate radioactive waste, such as spent fuel rods, which must be stored in a secure environment for hundreds of thousands of years. Nuclear power is, in the end, simply a short-term option with a large price tag. Nuclear energy should be a project of the past with so many renewable energy alternatives available and technology development. The high construction costs, devastating impact on the environment, limited quantities of fuel and safety risks are all contributing factors of why the benefits of nuclear energy do not outweigh the risk factors on the environment.
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Home / Essay Samples / Environment / Nuclear Energy / Advantages and Disadvantages of Nuclear Energy
Advantages and Disadvantages of Nuclear Energy
- Category: Environment , Science
- Topic: Nuclear Energy , Nuclear Power
Pages: 2 (1098 words)
- Downloads: -->
Nuclear power
- Cheap energy – energy produced costs of between £0.019 and £0.054 per kilowatt-hour depending on the design and requirements of each reactor.
- Abundant fuel – reserves of the most used uranium are still plentiful (5.5 million tonnes left), which can provide another 80 years’ worth of energy.
- Eco-friendly – although some greenhouse gases are released in the atmosphere as a result of transport or processing of fuel, gases like carbon dioxide or methane which cause atmospheric pollution are not released.
- Continuous operation – other than the initial high investments of time and money needed to build a plant, minimal halts of operation are needed for maintenance.
Disadvantages
- Radiation - Although no carbon emissions are released during nuclear fission, a by-product of the process is radiation, whose damage potential ranges from cell mutations to tissue death. Moreover, since nuclear fission is moderated by control systems, a malfunction in those could result in nuclear accidents with devastating effects to the population and natural environment in proximity to the reactor.
- Dependency - only countries which have access to uranium fuel and equipment to process it can generate nuclear power, resulting in countries being dependent on them for their energy.
- Waste disposal – the cost of managing waste is high so that no radiation escapes; highly trained staff needs to monitor the plant’s operation to ensure safety.
Environmental impact
- House of Commons. Hinkley Point C. London: 2017.
- High Level Summary of Statistics Trend [Internet]. Scottish Government. 2016 [cited 2019 Mar 21]; Available from: https://www2.gov.scot/Topics/Statistics/Browse/Business/TrendElectricity
- Nuclear Power Basics [Internet]. Hitachi. n.d. [cited 2019 Mar 21]; Available from: https://nuclear.gepower.com/company-info/nuclear-power-basics
- Nuclear Power Plants [Internet]. U.S. Energy Information Administration. 2018 [cited 2019 Mar 21]; Available from: https://www.eia.gov/energyexplained/index.php?page=nuclear_power_plants
- Kuet J. Benefits and Disadvantages of Nuclear Energy [Internet]. 2018 [cited 2019 Mar 20]; Available from: http://large.stanford.edu/courses/2018/ph241/kuet2/
- Profiling the top nuclear power pros and cons [Internet]. Compelo. 2019 [cited 2019 Mar 20]; Available from: https://www.compelo.com/energy/features/newstop-nuclear-power-pros-and-cons-5760814/
- MacKenzie D. Nuclear Safety. 2019;
- Advantages and Disadvantages of Nuclear Energy [Internet]. Nuclear Energy. 2018 [cited 2019 Mar 20]; Available from: https://nuclear-energy.net/advantages-and-disadvantages-of-nuclear-energy.html
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