Nuclear energy: advantages

SP6k.1 and disadvantages

The cards show some of the advantages of using nuclear energy to generate electricity, and some of the
disadvantages.
1 Cut out the cards and sort them into advantages and disadvantages. There are a few cards that may not fit
into either of these piles (neutral).
2 Use the cards to help you with one of these tasks:
● Make a poster showing the advantages and disadvantages of using nuclear energy to generate
electricity.
● Write a couple of paragraphs for a blog on nuclear energy, explaining the advantages and
disadvantages.
3 Do you think that we should be using nuclear energy to generate electricity? Explain your conclusion.

Advantages Disadvantages Neutral

A Nuclear fuel is non-renewable. B Supplies of nuclear fuel could last a lot longer
than fossil fuels.

C Waste materials remain dangerous for millions D It is expensive to treat nuclear waste to make it
of years. safe.

E Nuclear fuels do not emit carbon dioxide. F Nuclear power stations produce radioactive
waste.

G Nuclear fuel stores a lot more energy per H Nuclear power causes fewer deaths through
kilogram than other fuels. accidents and pollution than using fossil fuels.

I Dangerous pollution from a nuclear accident can J Electricity generated using nuclear energy is
spread for thousands of kilometres. available at any time.

K Many people are afraid of nuclear power. L Pollution from nuclear accidents can
contaminate land for decades.

M Nuclear power stations are much more N Nuclear power stations are designed with many
expensive to build than fossil fuel power safety precautions.
stations.

O No-one wants nuclear waste to be stored near P It is very expensive to dismantle a nuclear power
where they live. station safely at the end of its life.

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