Why is Nuclear Power Beneficial?
Nuclear power uses nuclear fission to generate heat and electricity. It supplies about 5.7% of the world's energy and about 13% of the world's electricity. This energy source is clean because it reduces carbon emissions.
Nuclear energy is reliable because it does not depend on the wind or sun to power it.
It is also fairly cost effective. The price of uranium is not fluctuating and it produces more kilowatts than coal for a cheaper price. Also, the price is expected to drop as more plants are built.
Many people argue that there are dangerous accidents that always occur. Although nuclear energy can be very dangerous if something wrong were to occur, there have been very few accidents. The reactors are contained four feet thick concrete structures.
It is also safer in regards to getting the material. Mining coal is much more dangerous than mining uranium.
Another great thing about nuclear energy is that there are no greenhouse gases emitted. These power plants do not emit smoke. The pictures above may look like smoke is coming out of the top, but in actuality it is only steam. Because greenhouse gases are not emitted this will help decrease the greenhouse effect.
Another concern about nuclear energy is radiation. However, people should not be worried about this. According to Alex Gabbard, leader of the High Temperature Fuel Behavior Group in the Nuclear Fuel Materials Section of ORNL's Metals and Ceramics Division, "Americans living near coal-fired power plants are exposed to higher radiation doses than those living near nuclear power plants that meet government regulations."
Nuclear energy is reliable because it does not depend on the wind or sun to power it.
It is also fairly cost effective. The price of uranium is not fluctuating and it produces more kilowatts than coal for a cheaper price. Also, the price is expected to drop as more plants are built.
Many people argue that there are dangerous accidents that always occur. Although nuclear energy can be very dangerous if something wrong were to occur, there have been very few accidents. The reactors are contained four feet thick concrete structures.
It is also safer in regards to getting the material. Mining coal is much more dangerous than mining uranium.
Another great thing about nuclear energy is that there are no greenhouse gases emitted. These power plants do not emit smoke. The pictures above may look like smoke is coming out of the top, but in actuality it is only steam. Because greenhouse gases are not emitted this will help decrease the greenhouse effect.
Another concern about nuclear energy is radiation. However, people should not be worried about this. According to Alex Gabbard, leader of the High Temperature Fuel Behavior Group in the Nuclear Fuel Materials Section of ORNL's Metals and Ceramics Division, "Americans living near coal-fired power plants are exposed to higher radiation doses than those living near nuclear power plants that meet government regulations."
What are other clean energy sources?
How do we make a change?