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11 Facts About Nuclear Energy

1. Nuclear power plants use nuclear ssion (the process
of splitting an atom in two). Nuclear fusion (the
process of combining atoms into one) has the
potential to be safer energy because it is produced at
a much lower temperature. However, nuclear fusion
technology has not yet been developed to operate
within a large power plant.
2. Nuclear energy comes from uranium, a
nonrenewable resource that must be mined.
3. Every 18 to 24 months, a power plant must shut
down to remove its spent uranium fuel, which has
become radioactive waste.
4. 13 percent of the worlds electricity comes from
nuclear power plants that emit little to no greenhouse
gases.
5. Nuclear energy is being used in more than 30
countries around the world, and even powers Mars
rovers.
6. Nuclear power facilities can produce energy at a 91
percent eciency rate 24/7, while maintaining the
method with the lowest emissions.
7. More than 70 percent of Americas emission-free
power comes from nuclear energy sources.
8. 1 in 5 households and business in the U.S. are
electrically powered by nuclear energy.
9. United States power plants produce 2,000 metric tons
of radioactive waste every year.
10. The building of new nuclear facilities creates between
1,400 and 3,500 jobs for construction workers, and
after the facility is built maintains 400 to 700

permanent positions paying roughly 36 to 44 percent

more than the average salary of the surrounding
area.
11. American nuclear energy facilities are the highest
regulated plants in the world, subject to more
scrutinous observations and regulations.
Sources: World Nuclear, Cas Energy, Department of
Homeland Security, World Nuclear Association,
Environmental Protection Agency