Introduction
Global energy demand continues to climb as the industrialized world’s energy use rises, millions pull themselves out of POVERTY in developing countries, and the world Population expands. Thus, the debate over the energy supply of the future intensifies. This debate is complicated by ongoing global Climate destabilization as a result of green house gas (GHG) emissions produced largely from combustion of fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas) for energy. These scientific findings and economic threats have catalyzed commitments by many industrialized countries to curb GHG emissions, which in turn have created an enormous need for large-scale sources of energy alternatives to the polluting and potentially dwindling economic supplies of fossil fuels. Nuclear technology is often proposed as a solution or as part of the solution for a sustainable energy supply. In fact, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) recommended nuclear power as a key mitigation technology that is currently commercially available. The term sustainability, however, has numerous meanings that range from the Light (pale) green definitions that normally refer to near-term financial sustainability to dark green long-term multi-faceted descriptions of sustainability. Here the concept of just sustainability, which includes what has been called the Equity deficit of 
environmental sustainability, will be used as if these requirements are met so will those of the other weaker definitions.
This conception of Sustainable Development focuses equally on four conditions:
- improving our Quality Of Life and well-being
- On meeting the needs of both present and future generations (intra- and intergenerational equity)
- On Justice and equity in terms of recognition, process, procedure and outcome
- On the need for us to live within ecosystem limit.
Advantages
- Nuclear power generation does emit relatively low amounts of CO2. Nowadays Global Warming because of the greenhouse gases is a hot topic. The contribution of nuclear power to global warming is relatively little. This is a great advantage of nuclear power Plants. Otherwise we have to reconsider that the water used in the cooling towers produces H2O vapors, which is the number 1 greenhouse gas. H2O causes about 2/3 of the Greenhouse Effect. This is because of a positive feedback mechanism. If the earth warms up, there will be more H2O vapors in the air, which reinforce the greenhouse effect.
- Nuclear power plants already exist and are available worldwide. So in comparison to, for example, nuclear fusion, the technology does not have to be developed first. Also other new technologies (Wind Energy, Solar Energy, …) are still in its infancy.
- Coal-fired power plants, like this one emit pollutants that can contribute to climate change, decreased air quality and Acid Rain. Compared to coal, nuclear power production results in very little atmospheric pollution. In 2010, massive fossil fuel emissions brought the air quality in Hong Kong dangerously low; residents were advised to remain indoors for safety. Nuclear power plants won’t create smog like this.
- While nuclear plants are somewhat expensive to build, a single facility can provide massive output for years. When this picture was taken in 2000, nuclear power accounted for almost 20 percent of all the city lights you see within the United States.
- Reliable nuclear technology is already developed. No new innovations are needed to create Nuclear Reactors that are relatively safe and efficient. Above, the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation opens a new research reactor in 2007.
Disadvantages
- Raw Material
Uranium is used in the process of fission because it’s a naturally unstable element. Unfortunately, this means that while the uranium is being mined, transported and transformed into the contained pellets used in the fission chamber it is at risk of splitting on its own. This releases harmful radiation into its surroundings, and can be harmful to those handling the material. Runoff from the uranium mines poses a dangerous Health risk and possible contamination to water tables.
- Water Pollutant
Nuclear fission chambers are cooled by water. This water is then turned into steam, which is used to power the turbines. When the water cools enough to change back into liquid form, it is pumped outside into nearby wetlands. While measures are taken to ensure that no radiation is being pumped into the Environment, other heavy metals and pollutants can make their way out of the chamber. The immense heat given off by this water can also be damaging to eco systems located nearby the reactor
- Radioactive Waste
One of the main worries people have about nuclear power is what to do with the radioactive waste that is generated by the reactors and secondly, what is the safety impact of storing this waste. However, even though no long-term solution has been found to eliminate the problem of Waste Management, the problem is much smaller than is commonly perceived. As can be seen below, the amount of deaths linked to radioactive waste over the long term are insignificant, especially when compared to the deaths caused by coal and solar power.
Deaths per 1,000 MW plant per year of operation due to waste:
One of the reasons for this low death rate is that the quantities of radioactive waste generated by a reactor are not large. In fact, the waste produced by a nuclear reactor is equivalent to the size of a coin per person, per year (Lauvergon 2003). It has even been calculated that “if the United States went completely nuclear for all its electric power for 10,000 years, the amount of land needed for waste disposal would be about what is needed for the coal ash that is currently generated every two weeks” (Cohen 1990). Worldwide, 40,000 tonnes of waste are generated annually, 15,000 tonnes being spent fuel and the 25,000 remaining tonnes, low level radioactive materials such as protective clothing or shielding (Cohen 1990).
- Reactor Safety
The reputation of nuclear power as an unsafe energy source is grossly unfair and due mainly to the Chernobyl catastrophe. It is possible to see that of all major electricity sources, nuclear is by far the source with the lowest number of fatalities, with the possible exception of renewables (for which figures aren’t available). Additionally, these figures don’t take into account premature deaths caused by pollution. If included, this would place traditional energy sources even further behind nuclear power in terms of safety.
- Proliferation Risks
The necessary raw material needed to construct a nuclear weapon is highly enriched uranium or plutonium. Enrichment technology can be used to produce highly enriched uranium. Reprocessing – certainly when the fuel has only been used in the reactor for a short time – could be used to separate out plutonium suitable for use in a nuclear weapon. International agreements have been concluded (the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and the Additional Protocol) to make trading in nuclear material and technology and the distribution of the know-how required to construct nuclear installations subject to international supervision. This means control of the peaceful use of nuclear energy technology and security of nuclear fuel. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) pursues initiatives to eventually bring all enrichment and reprocessing installations under international supervision. At the moment, the situation is not yet adequate.
- Emissions
While greenhouse gas emissions have a potential worldwide impact through global warming and climate change, SOx, NOx and particulate matters have regional or local impacts.
- Complexity in Operation
This Source Of Energy has a load factor of 80% and future reactors will be able to produce electricity 90% of the time. This is second only to fossil fuels. However, nuclear power does face a problem. It takes 24 hours to get a plant up and running. This means that nuclear plants cannot easily adjust to fluctuating demand. This is why nuclear plants tend to be turned on constantly except during maintenance when other sources, usually fossil fuels, tend to be used to adjust for demand.
Among the risks associated with nuclear energy are the threat of terrorism and proliferation, and one point of discussion is therefore whether expansion of nuclear energy in the Netherlands would pose greater security risks than in the current situation, with only a single nuclear power station.
There are three types of terrorism threat:
- The use of explosives to disperse radioactive material; this is sometimes referred to as a “dirty bomb”. Construction of a dirty bomb does not require any material from the nuclear fuel cycle. Radioactive material is also present outside the nuclear Energy sector, for example at hospitals. Security measures for the fuel cycle must therefore be aimed at preventing material falling into the hands of terrorists.
- Acquisition of a nuclear weapon by a terrorist organisation. The size and complexity of the necessary equipment means that it is no simple matter for a terrorist organisation to develop and construct a nuclear weapon. Security for nuclear installations must be aimed at minimising the risk of terrorist attacks.
- An attack on a nuclear installation, storage site, or transport of radioactive material with the intention of causing radioactive substances to be released, thus contaminating the surrounding area. Security systems that close down the reactor automatically in the event of operator error also restrict the potential threat arising from any terrorist takeover of the power station. Designers of nuclear installations and transport containers also take account of the possibility of terrorist attacks. The US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has proposed that there should be explicit design requirements for new nuclear power stations as regards resistance to attack using an airliner.
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Nuclear energy is a hotly debated topic. Some people believe that it is a clean and efficient way to generate electricity, while others worry about the potential dangers of nuclear accidents and radioactive waste.
Here are some of the main merits and demerits of nuclear energy:
Merits:
- Nuclear energy is a low-carbon source of electricity. It does not produce greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide, which contribute to climate change.
- Nuclear power plants are very efficient at converting fuel into electricity. They can produce large amounts of electricity with relatively little fuel.
- Nuclear power plants are reliable sources of electricity. They can operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and are not affected by weather conditions like solar and wind power plants.
Demerits:
- Nuclear power plants are expensive to build and operate. The initial construction costs are high, and there are ongoing costs for fuel, maintenance, and security.
- Nuclear power plants produce radioactive waste, which must be carefully disposed of. Radioactive waste can remain radioactive for thousands of years, so it must be stored in a safe place where it cannot harm people or the environment.
- Nuclear accidents can have devastating consequences. The Chernobyl and Fukushima Daiichi accidents released large amounts of radiation into the environment, causing widespread contamination and health problems.
Overall, nuclear energy is a complex issue with both positive and negative aspects. It is important to weigh the pros and cons carefully before deciding whether or not to support nuclear power.
Nuclear energy is a low-carbon source of electricity
One of the main advantages of nuclear energy is that it is a low-carbon source of electricity. Nuclear power plants do not produce greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide, which contribute to climate change. This makes nuclear energy a more environmentally friendly option than fossil fuels like coal and oil.
Nuclear power plants are very efficient at converting fuel into electricity
Nuclear power plants are also very efficient at converting fuel into electricity. They can produce large amounts of electricity with relatively little fuel. This makes nuclear energy a more efficient option than some other sources of electricity, such as solar and wind power.
Nuclear power plants are reliable sources of electricity
Nuclear power plants are also reliable sources of electricity. They can operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and are not affected by weather conditions like solar and wind power plants. This makes nuclear energy a more reliable option than some other sources of electricity, such as solar and wind power.
Nuclear power plants are expensive to build and operate
However, there are also some disadvantages to nuclear energy. One of the main disadvantages is that nuclear power plants are expensive to build and operate. The initial construction costs are high, and there are ongoing costs for fuel, maintenance, and security. This makes nuclear energy a more expensive option than some other sources of electricity, such as solar and wind power.
Nuclear power plants produce radioactive waste
Another disadvantage of nuclear energy is that nuclear power plants produce radioactive waste. Radioactive waste can remain radioactive for thousands of years, so it must be stored in a safe place where it cannot harm people or the environment. This is a difficult and expensive problem to solve.
Nuclear accidents can have devastating consequences
Finally, nuclear accidents can have devastating consequences. The Chernobyl and Fukushima Daiichi accidents released large amounts of radiation into the environment, causing widespread contamination and health problems. These accidents have raised concerns about the safety of nuclear power plants.
Conclusion
Overall, nuclear energy is a complex issue with both positive and negative aspects. It is important to weigh the pros and cons carefully before deciding whether or not to support nuclear power.
Nuclear energy is a hotly debated topic. Some people believe that it is a clean and efficient way to generate electricity, while others worry about the risks of nuclear accidents and radioactive waste.
Here are some frequently asked questions about nuclear energy:
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What is nuclear energy?
Nuclear energy is the energy released when atoms are split apart. This process is called nuclear fission. Nuclear fission can be used to generate electricity in nuclear power plants. -
How does nuclear energy work?
In a nuclear power plant, uranium atoms are split apart in a process called nuclear fission. This process releases heat, which is used to boil water. The steam from the boiling water turns a turbine, which generates electricity. -
What are the benefits of nuclear energy?
Nuclear energy is a clean and efficient way to generate electricity. Nuclear power plants do not produce greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide. Nuclear power plants also have a high capacity factor, which means that they can generate electricity for a long period of time without interruption. -
What are the risks of nuclear energy?
The main risk of nuclear energy is the risk of a nuclear accident. A nuclear accident can release large amounts of radiation, which can cause cancer and other health problems. Nuclear accidents can also contaminate the environment with radioactive waste. -
What is radioactive waste?
Radioactive waste is waste that is produced by nuclear power plants. Radioactive waste is radioactive, which means that it emits radiation. Radiation can cause cancer and other health problems. -
How is radioactive waste disposed of?
Radioactive waste is disposed of in deep underground disposal facilities. These facilities are designed to prevent radioactive waste from leaking into the environment. -
Is nuclear energy safe?
Nuclear energy is a safe form of energy when it is properly managed. However, there is always a risk of a nuclear accident. -
What are the alternatives to nuclear energy?
The alternatives to nuclear energy include coal, oil, natural gas, and RENEWABLE ENERGY sources, such as solar and wind power. -
Is nuclear energy a good option for the future?
Nuclear energy is a controversial issue. Some people believe that it is a clean and efficient way to generate electricity, while others worry about the risks of nuclear accidents and radioactive waste. The future of nuclear energy will depend on the development of new technologies and the public’s perception of the risks and benefits of nuclear energy.
Question 1
Nuclear energy is a type of energy that is produced by the splitting of atoms. This process is called nuclear fission. Nuclear energy is used to generate electricity in nuclear power plants.
Nuclear energy has both advantages and disadvantages. Some of the advantages of nuclear energy include:
- It is a clean source of energy. Nuclear power plants do not produce greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide.
- It is a reliable source of energy. Nuclear power plants can operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- It is a safe source of energy. Nuclear power plants have a very good safety record.
Some of the disadvantages of nuclear energy include:
- Nuclear power plants produce radioactive waste. This waste must be carefully disposed of.
- Nuclear power plants are expensive to build and operate.
- Nuclear power plants are potential targets for terrorist attacks.
Question 2
Nuclear energy is a controversial topic. Some people believe that nuclear energy is a safe and clean source of energy, while others believe that it is a dangerous and risky technology.
There are several arguments in favor of nuclear energy. First, nuclear energy is a clean source of energy. Nuclear power plants do not produce greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide. Second, nuclear energy is a reliable source of energy. Nuclear power plants can operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Third, nuclear energy is a safe source of energy. Nuclear power plants have a very good safety record.
However, there are also several arguments against nuclear energy. First, nuclear power plants produce radioactive waste. This waste must be carefully disposed of. Second, nuclear power plants are expensive to build and operate. Third, nuclear power plants are potential targets for terrorist attacks.
Question 3
The future of nuclear energy is uncertain. Some people believe that nuclear energy will play a decreasing role in the future, while others believe that it will play an increasing role.
There are several factors that will affect the future of nuclear energy. First, the cost of nuclear energy is likely to decrease as technology improves. Second, the public’s perception of nuclear energy is likely to improve as people become more familiar with the technology. Third, the need for clean energy is likely to increase as the world’s population grows and the demand for energy increases.
Question 4
The following are some of the key players in the nuclear energy Industry:
- Nuclear power plant operators: These companies own and operate nuclear power plants.
- Nuclear fuel suppliers: These companies supply the uranium fuel that is used in nuclear power plants.
- Nuclear waste management companies: These companies manage the radioactive waste that is produced by nuclear power plants.
- Nuclear regulatory agencies: These government agencies regulate the nuclear energy industry.
Question 5
The following are some of the key events in the history of nuclear energy:
- 1938: The discovery of nuclear fission by Otto Hahn and Fritz Strassmann.
- 1942: The first nuclear reactor is built at the University of Chicago.
- 1945: The first nuclear weapons are used in World War II.
- 1954: The first commercial nuclear power plant is built in Obninsk, Russia.
- 1979: The Three Mile Island nuclear accident occurs in Pennsylvania.
- 1986: The Chernobyl nuclear disaster occurs in Ukraine.
- 2011: The Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster occurs in Japan.