Advantages And Disadvantages Of Nuclear Power

•     Waste from nuclear energy stays radioactive for thousands of years. Great care has to be taken in storing this waste safely.

Firstly, the atomic incidents of Three Mile Island in Pennsylvania and Chernobyl in Russia are often mentioned as examples for nuclear plants being unsafe. In both cases failures of workers led to a meltdown in the reactors and increased radiation in the surrounding area (Henderson 12-17). And as the recent disaster in Japan shows, a nuclear crisis cannot only be caused by human mishaps, but also by unpredictable and untamable natural hazards. Consequently, nuclear crises cannot be predicted or prevented completely. Nuclear plants are, furthermore, considered uneconomical because in the eighties the construction costs of nuclear plants were underestimated and exceeded the estimation by $100 billion (Henderson 103). Therefore, the nuclear power opponents are arguing that nuclear power is burdening the American economy unnecessarily. According to the nuclear physicist Jeff Eerkens, antinuclear groups are also claiming that nuclear power is not necessary for the future since renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal power will be providing sufficient energy for the United States, and are at the same time much cheaper than the costly nuclear power plants (Eerkens 20). Over all, opponents consider nuclear power to risky and inefficient to “deserve further support from U.S. taxpayers” (Henderson 104).

Summary: In this paper I will discuss the overall of nuclear energy to rectify some misconception. I will give the advantages and disadvantages for using nuclear energy and let the readers understand the basic idea of it.

Throughout this world, we use various equipment that need certain energy requirements in order for them to run properly. Two of the utmost imperative sources of energy in our world today come from coal and nuclear power. Still, a great deal of citizens of this world are unaware of the impacts of nuclear power whether it be positive or negative due to the fact that nuclear power has not existed as long as coal power has. However, as nuclear power becomes a major resource of energy, we as citizens must determine which is more fitting for not only us, but our environment. As this report continues on, you will come to find the history of each of these resources along with the advantages and disadvantages of each. Concluded from this research was the concept that nuclear power is worthier for America as a whole. Included below are the specific points as to why nuclear power is far superior for American citizens and our environment. However, the main notion to be taken from this report is the view that we need to become further educated on the energy resources present in this world and be able to determine how we can become more efficient and contribute less to climate change in the long run.

It is also can cause fatal consequences. One of the main disadvantages of nuclear power plants is the severe consequences of accidents.

Some may say that nuclear energy is bad solely based off of what they know about the infamous Chernobyl. However, Chernobyl should never have happened. In a rush to provide power and test nuclear energy, the Soviets made a poorly built excuse for a nuclear power plant. Due to human error and lack of a containment center, Chernobyl was an exception to a rather safe way of producing energy.

Most of the disadvantages all stem from one major issue: the fuel created at these power plants are radioactive. What little waste that is produced at the plants remains radioactive for thousands of years and has a high cost in the storage of the waste. The radiation created can be detected miles away causing not only health concerns for employees at the facility, but also for those who live nearby. One of the leading disadvantages is the complexity in the management of nuclear waste. Poor managing at the nuclear plant can cause a hazardous nuclear explosion by generating a system failure, which releases radioactivity into the environment. The risk of disasters is a major concern. Nuclear power plants also have limited lifespans; therefore, the United States would have to continuously build new plants to replace the old. In doing so, this creates another weakness that is the high start-up cost of a nuclear plant. The cost of the production of energy is very low; then again, recovery of the capital cost is more expensive driving the cost of energy higher. Nuclear power ships and submarines also pose a threat to marine life due to being radioactive. However, the most frightening disadvantage is the use of nuclear power in the military industry. A terrorist could get their hands on this, as well as other countries. The list of weaknesses for nuclear power can be controlled reducing their

Whoosh, Eureka! The steam spun the wheel of the turbine. The ecstasy of finding a new energy source is ineffable, and when one was found the discovery always immediately prompted a race to use the newfound source. In accordance with this behavior many sought to integrate nuclear power into society upon its development. The difference is nuclear energy is far more complicated and powerful than anything the field of energy has dealt with thus far. Consequently, there is a hesitance to its utilization as it is difficult to discuss the complexities of the process with the public without some misinterpretation. Ergo, this paper will attempt to inform the reader as to the benefits of nuclear power. Nuclear power in the U.S. is under harsh debate

Nuclear power plants provide a substantial amount of electricity, but could also have catastrophic consequences if put in dire situations. These power plants are often built in countries like France, where there is more opportunity and less risk. The idea of constructing a nuclear power plant, is not one that is very advisable at the time. The proposal was taken into consideration, but brought about some interesting factors. Building a nuclear power plant is too dangerous, way too expensive, and burdens too much of a risk to build one in our city.

In the following, the benefits and drawbacks of generating electricity with the use of nuclear energy will be discussed.

Nuclear power was the world’s fastest growing form of energy in the 1990’s. However, presently it is the second slowest growing worldwide. Considering that nuclear power accounts for eleven percent of the world’s energy supply, one must ask what happened [Nuclear Power]. Why is it that the growth of nuclear power has almost completely stalled? The simple answer is that after meltdowns such as Three Mile Island and Chernobyl, many people are afraid of nuclear power plants, which causes great opposition to the expansion of the industry. Unfortunately, most people are not well informed about nuclear energy; many do not take the time to view its positives and negatives.

The world as we know today is dependent on energy. The options we have currently enable us to produce energy economically but at a cost to the environment. As fossil fuel source will be diminishing over time, other alternatives will be needed. An alternative that is presently utilized is nuclear energy. Nuclear energy is currently the most efficacious energy source. Every time the word ‘nuclear’ is mentioned, the first thought that people have is the devastating effects of nuclear energy. Granting it does come with its drawbacks; this form of energy emits far less pollution than conventional power plants. Even though certain disadvantages of nuclear energy are devastating, the advantages contain even greater rewards.

The world's natural resources are being consumed at an alarming rate. As these resources diminish, people will be seeking alternative sources by which to generate electricity for heat and light. The only practical short-term solution for the energy/pollution crisis should be nuclear power because it is available, cleaner and safer.

Nuclear energy is cost effective but it is too RISKY (refer to Fukushima, Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant in Ukraine and northern France’s accidents).

Global demand and consumption of energy is at an all time high; the world needs a safe, efficient, clean, and high producing source of energy production. The solution is something we already use for energy production, Nuclear power. From the beginning of nuclear energy there has been concerns over the safety of the power plants and its impact on the environment. With climate change and more accurate information on nuclear power the tide is shifting in its favor. This paper will explore the positives of nuclear power, political change on nuclear power, safety of the energy source and new technologies associated with the nuclear power process. Most importantly are the risks associated with nuclear power worth it? Research suggests that nuclear power is safer now more than ever and has less of an impact on the environment than coal or oil. Public support and misconceptions over the years have been up and down due to political agendas and those who are misinformed about nuclear power. Individuals who are involved in the energy field are in favor of nuclear power and building more plants with newer technology.