Nuclear Pros and Cons
ADVANTAGES
- Fission is the most energy for the least fuel with current technology.
- Less fuel means less waste, and the waste is all accounted for, not released into the atmosphere to become someone else's problem.
- Uranium is readily available, very common in the earth's crust (about the same as tin)
- Economical - operating cost about the same as coal, fuel cost is a much smaller percentage of the total, therefore less susceptible to price fluctuations.
- Reliable - Nuclear power plants have very high capacity factors, Much higher than solar
- No combustion, no Co, CO2 or SO2 released.
- Creates high paying, skilled jobs.
- Reduce dependence on foreign oil/ fuel. Uranium available domestically and in oceans.
- High temperature reactors could produce Hydrogen as well as electricity.
- Fantastic safety record.
- Does not require back-up and storage facilities like solar and wind.
- More economical than solar per Mw produced.
- Much smaller footprint, takes up less land than Solar or wind.
- Actually releases less radioactive contamination than a coal fired plant of the same size.
DISADVANTAGES
- Irrational fear of all things nuclear.
- High cost to build and license, large initial investment for long term pay back.
- Publicly accepted high level storage facility not domestically available.
- Reprocessing facility not domestically available.
- High cost of personnel.
- Security concerns, proliferation and terrorism.
Building 100's of new nuclear power plants would improve the economy, reduce or eliminate dependence on foreign oil, create jobs, reduce pollution, and provide for future technological advancement.
I have been working with nuclear power for about 30 years, I would be glad to have a Nuclear power plant or high level waste disposal facility in my backyard. My family and I live in a home within 10 miles of a nuclear power plant. (where I work) I have a great understanding of the risks involved and am completely comfortable with a plant "in my backyard".
Using Chernobyl as a reason not to build is like saying because of the Hindenburg I will never fly in a commercial airliner.
Nuclear power has the smallest environmental impact of any current energy production method per unit of energy produced. One fuel pellet about the size of a pencil eraser produces the same energy as about 1 ton of coal, and if reprocessed 2/3 of what’s left can be reclaimed. Nuclear power is our best option for reliable, environmentally friendly, base-load electrical power.
NEI has information based on facts from people who work & live with nuclear power. Greenpeace has lawyers and politicians/activists.
If you had a sick child would you talk to a medical professional (doctor) or medical malpractice lawyer?
Cross check your facts with other reputable organizations, colleges and government sites.
It's the cheapest and most efficient form of energy. Arguably you could say solar power could be cheaper, but you would have to weigh the income and outcome. Either way, it's by far the most efficient. It's not dangerous, and pollution wise, the nuclear reaction created is used to turn steam into water. Steam is not a pollutant. The radiation given off is disposed of, and stored properly, and isn't that dangerous. You receive more radiation from phones and clock radios in your life then you would from depleted materials.
ReplyDeleteIn my opinion, the generation of nuclear power should be given most priority, to combat environmental degradation and global warming issues.
ReplyDeleteAdvantages of Nuclear power -
Below we discuss advantages of nuclear power vis-a-vis other energy options, especially fossil fuel.
(i) One of the greatest advantages of nuclear power is that it avoids the wide variety of environmental problems arising from burning fossil fuels - coal, oil, and gas. Nuclear energy does not produce smoke or carbon dioxide, so it does not contribute to the greenhouse effect. Thus ‘global warming’ process can be minimized - changing the earth's climate, acid rain, which is destroying forests and killing fish; air pollution etc. It checks degrading our quality of life; i.e., the destructive effects of massive mining for coal; and oil spills which do great harm to ecological systems can be prevented.
(ii) It is possible to generate a high amount of electrical energy in one single plant using small amount of fuel.
(iii) Nuclear power is reliable. This technology is readily available; it does not have to be developed first.
(iv) Produces small amounts of waste. The disposal of radio-active waste which nuclear power plant generates, can be effectively organized as our technology is improving at a fast pace. Moreover, the quality of radio-active waste improved if we go for reprocessing of spent fuel.
(v) Nuclear power is also not so expensive as compare to power from coal. Reprocessing and reuse of plutonium from spent fuel makes it even cheaper than coal based power plant. The concern about proliferation should be taken out of mind as there are much easier, faster, and cheaper ways for a nation to develop nuclear weapons than through a nuclear power program.
Nuclear Energy and the Environment In our society, nuclear energy has become one of the most criticized forms of energy by the environmentalists. Thus, a look at nuclear energy and the environment and its impact on economic growth.
ReplyDeleteLewis Munford, an analyst, once wrote, Too much energy is as fatal as too little, hence the regulation of energy input and output not its unlimited expansion, is in fact one of the main laws of life. This is true when dealing with nuclear power. Because our societies structure and processes both depend upon energy, man is searching for the most efficient and cheapest form of energy that can be used on a long term basis. And because we equate power with growth, the more energy that a country uses, - the greater their expected economic growth. ...
Muscle Gain
This will incredibly help you in your bills. You can now save much more by just installing solar panels in your home and save on your electric bills.
ReplyDeleteIt's by far the most efficient. It's not dangerous and pollution wise.
ReplyDeleteI have to confess that i sometimes get bored learning the entire thing however i believe you do add some value.
ReplyDeleteYou can now save much more by just installing solar panels in your home and save on your electric bills.
ReplyDelete