Nuclear Power

Nuclear Power Plants utilize the power held in the nucleus of an atom which is
obtainable through Nuclear fission. This process includes the splitting of atoms, which
releases heat energy that can generate steam and then be used to turn a turbine to
produce electricity United States Environmental Protection Agency (2015). This process
was first developed during the Second World War as research initially focused on
producing bombs, turned to the peaceful use of nuclear fission, controlling it for power
generation in the 1950’s (World Nuclear Association, 2021). The fuel most commonly used
for fission is uranium, although additional elements such as plutonium or thorium can be
used. Over the course of a Nuclear power plant's life-cycle, nuclear produces about the
same amount of carbon dioxide-equivalent emissions per unit of electricity as wind, and
one-third of the emissions per unit of electricity when compared with solar. (World
Nuclear Association, 2017)

(GE Hitachi, n.d.) states that “A single uranium pellet, slightly larger than a pencil eraser,
contains the same energy as a ton of coal, 3 barrels of oil, or 17,000 cubic feet of natural gas.
Each uranium fuel pellet provides up to five years of heat for power generation. And because
uranium is one of the world’s most abundant metals, it can provide fuel for the world’s
commercial nuclear plants for generations to come.” However Nuclear power also has its
downsides. Despite the numerous safety measures implemented in nuclear plants, different
factors caused them to go into meltdown, This has a devastating effect on the environment and
local inhabitants who in many cases must flee the affected areas. A negative side effect of
nuclear power is the amount of nuclear waste it produces. It has been estimated that the world
produces some 34,000㎥ of nuclear waste each year, this waste that takes thousands of years to
degrade. The initial costs for building a nuclear power plant are expensive. A recent virtual test
reactor in the US estimate rose from $3.5bn to $6bn alongside huge extra costs to maintain the
facility (Unwin, 2019).

Nuclear power is an almost carbon neutral source of energy which is significantly more
efficient than coal, oil and natural gases. Although meltdowns can be devastating to
Locals and the environment, these happen very rarely and despite the heavy initial cost
nuclear power plants are a worthwhile investment over time. For these reasons I believe
nuclear power presents itself as reliable energy solution for the future which should be
pursued

Charlie McDonnell
References:

GE Hitachi. (n.d.). Nuclear power basics. https://nuclear.gepower.com/company-

info/nuclear-power-basics

United States Environmental Protection Agency (2015). Nuclear Energy

http://www.epa.gov/cleanenergy/energy-and-you/affect/nuclear.html

Unwin, J. (2019, March 28). Nuclear power: The pros and cons of the energy source.

Power Technology. https://www.power-technology.com/features/nuclear-power-

pros-cons/

World Nuclear Association. (2017). How can nuclear combat climate change.

https://www.world-nuclear.org/nuclear-essentials/how-can-nuclear-combat-

climate-change.aspx

World Nuclear Association. (2021, March). Nuclear power in the world today.

https://www.world-nuclear.org/information-library/current-and-future-

generation/nuclear-power-in-the-world-today.aspx

Charlie McDonnell