Essay: Nuclear Energy Advantages and Disadvantages

Abstract
Growing concerns over climate change have highlighted the need to step up contribution of nuclear energy in the
energy mix and to reduce the dependence on fossil fuels in the years to come. This essay discusses some of the
major advantages and disadvantages of nuclear energy.

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Introduction
Nuclear energy represents only 15% of the electricity produced worldwide. Though in France, 80% of its electricity
production is from nuclear energy and more than one-fourth of electricity in Europe comes from nuclear energy.
Nuclear energy represents a very small percentage in many countries total electricity production, but this percentage
is likely to go up in the coming years. Nuclear power is generated using Uranium, a mineral of which one of the
isotopes, U- 234 is unstable. The nucleus breaks down resulting in the emission of heat and radiation followed by a
chain reaction. This is called nuclear fission and this process liberates a large amount of energy, but the process also
releases radiation which is very dangerous.

What are the Advantages of Nuclear Energy?

Clean Energy
Nuclear energy has the ability to produce electricity without greenhouse gas emissions. It produces electricity without
pollution. It is cleaner than many other forms of energy production. Essentially, nuclear power would be carbon-zero
if the uranium were mined and transported in a more efficient way.

High Quantities
Nuclear reaction releases a million times more energy, as compared to hydro or wind energy. Large quantity of
energy is generated from a single nuclear power plant.

High Reserves
Nuclear reactors make use of uranium as fuel and produces huge amounts of energy from small amounts of uranium.
The Earth has the high reserves of uranium. Current estimates put the uranium supply as enough to last for 30 to 60
years. Moreover other fuel cycles like Thorium are available for power generation. Whereas, oil reserves and other
fossil type fuels are likely to run out shortly.

Reliability
Nuclear power plants operate reliably and have a continuous output of power.The plants do not generally face
operations and maintenance problems. This is a contrast to other alternative energies which depend on the activity of
the weather.

Low Operating cost

Although nuclear power reactors are expensive to build, they are relatively cheap to operate. Fuel is inexpensive and
a plant can be operated by small number of people, approximately 10 people.

Concentration
The nuclear energy is by far the most concentrated form of energy, so it can be produced in large quantities over
short periods of time.

Low Waste
Produces small amounts of waste and waste is more compact.

Cheap
Nuclear energy produces electricity at a competitive price and is generally comparable in output to coal plants.

Location
A nuclear plant is not dependant on local sources like oil and coal and can be set up in any part of the globe. It also
does not require a lot of space and so can be placed in already developed areas and the power does not have to be
transferred over long distances.

What are the Disadvantages of Nuclear Energy?

Nuclear Weapons Threat

It has potential nuclear proliferation issues. Some reactors produce plutonium which can be used to make nuclear
weapons. Nuclear weapons are a major threat to the world as they can cause a large-scale devastation.

High Capital Intensive

Nuclear Plants require a high level of technology and a major initial capital investment. Its abandonment cost is also
very high.

Long Gestation Period

It takes a long time to build, about 15-20 years to develop a single plant.

Radioactive Waste
There are issues with management of radioactive waste. The spent fuel is highly radioactive and has to be carefully
stored for many years after use. A solution to the waste management problem needs to be explored and developed.
This has R&D cost.

Disasters, Accidents & Risk

An accident may cause a major disaster resulting in thousands of casualties and releasing high amounts of radiation
into the environment, example: explosion of a reactor at Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant in Ukraine and melting of the
core of a reactor at Three-Mile Island in the United States.

Non-renewable energy
Nuclear energy is an alternative energy but not a renewable energy as Uranium is a non-renewable source and its
supplies are limited.

Terrorism
Nuclear plants may be venerable targets to anyone wanting to disrupt the power supply, and to have quite horrific
results and to devastate an entire region.

Conclusion
Today, nuclear energy remains controversial. There are proponents and opponents of nuclear energy, but nuclear
energy along with other green energies has a major role to play in years to come. The actions to mitigate the risk
associated with nuclear energy need to given due importance to harness its full potential.