Why Nuclear Power Must Be Part of the Energy Solution?

Introduction

The natural resources in the world are being overexploited. As a result, the world must seek alternative resources. One resource is Nuclear energy. Nuclear energy is growing discussion for a numerous number of reasons. Nuclear energy is coming up as a great alternative however various factors support as well as oppose its growth because of the problems associated with its usage. Nuclear energy is stored in the center of an atom. Atoms makeup everything in the universe and are held together with great force.

The energy is released by the splitting up of the nucleus of an atom (uranium or plutonium) using a neutron. This releases more neutrons and energy which causes a chain reaction. This form of power used in nuclear power stations. The energy is released as heat energy which is used to boil water. As the water boils it spins giant turbines and generates electricity.

Nuclear Fission and Fusion

There are two ways that nuclear energy is created.

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Nuclear fusion is when two atoms fuse together to create a larger atom. Nuclear fission is when the atom's nucleus is split into two, creating two smaller atoms. As a result, energy is created. The nuclear energy that is used to create electricity across the world is nuclear fission.

Advantages of Nuclear Power

1. Low Pollution-Nuclear power plants emit very low amounts of carbon dioxide (CO2). In most cases, nuclear power is better for the climate to compare to other energy harnessing methods we use today.
2. Energy Density-Nuclear power plants need a lot less fuel in comparison to the other types of power plants such as hydroelectric power plants.
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   Approximately the amount of energy produced in a nuclear fission reaction is ten million times more compared to the amount of energy produced in the burning a fossil fuel atom example oil.

3. Alternative- This alternative helps reduce the consumption of fossil fuels such as coal. The reduction helps to prevent global warming. As a result, it will help reduce air pollution

Disadvantages of Nuclear Energy

1. Accidents Happen- The radioactive waste is dangerous to humans and the environment. Wrong decisions during the management of a nuclear plant can cause a big nuclear explosion leading to catastrophic effects. An example of a nuclear accident in Chernobyl in Ukraine. As a result of the accident, an estimated 4000 people lost their lives in the aftermath and many more have health problems as a result
2. Cost- The fuel cost to produce power using nuclear energy is low however there is still a need of having highly skilled workers to build, maintain and monitor the operations to ensure the safety and process of the plant.
3. Radioactive waste- This waste is very dangerous and remains this way for thousands of years. It must be handled in the right manner if not it could be devastating to the world

My Opinion

I am for the use of nuclear power for a number of reasons. Renewable energy such as geothermal energy is a type of energy that can’t expand enough to deliver the amount of cheap and reliable energy the world needs. Nuclear power stations are able to expand and produce a lot more energy every day. With global change and c02 emissions rising we can’t afford to turn away from any technology that was the potential to help reduce global warming