Nuclear energy is used to produce electricity. Heat generated from the splitting of uranium atoms in a process known as fission is used to produce steam. This steam in turn powers turbines, which are used to produce the electricity that supplies the surrounding community.
Nuclear power stations are set up in a multiple-step process that has been designed to help contain the energy and many of its negative byproducts. This process alone is the base of several advantages and disadvantages for this energy source.
ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF NUCLEAR ENERGY
EXPENSE
Uranium is not subject to the same price fluctuations that oil or coal are. This keeps the cost of nuclear energy stabler than the price of electricity generated by fossil fuels.
RELIABILITY
When a nuclear power plant is functioning properly, it can run uninterrupted for up to 730 days. This results in fewer brownouts or other power interruptions.
NO GREENHOUSE GASES
While nuclear energy does have some emissions, they aren't the kind to contribute to global warming. This lack of greenhouse gases can be very attractive to some consumers.
DISADVANTAGES OF NUCLEAR ENERGY
RAW MATERIAL
Uranium is used in the process of fission because it's a naturally unstable element. Unfortunately, this means that while the uranium is being mined, transported and transformed into the contained pellets used in the fission chamber it is at risk of splitting on its own. This releases harmful radiation into its surroundings, and can be harmful to those handling the material. Runoff from the uranium mines poses a dangerous health risk and possible contamination to water tables.
WATER POLLUTANT
Nuclear fission chambers are cooled by water. This water is then turned into steam, which is used to power the turbines. When the water cools enough to change back into liquid form, it is pumped outside into nearby wetlands. While measures are taken to ensure that no radiation is being pumped into the environment, other heavy metals and pollutants can make their way out of the chamber. The immense heat given off by this water can also be damaging to eco systems located nearby the reactor.
WASTE
When the uranium has finished splitting, the resulting radioactive byproducts need to be removed. While recycling efforts of this waste product have been undertaken in recent years, the storage of the byproduct could lead to contamination through leaks or containment failures. This waste could also become a target of terrorists seeking to use the waste to create nuclear weapons.
LEAKS
Nuclear reactors are built with several safety systems designed to contain the radiation given off in the fission process. When these safety systems are properly installed and maintained, they function adequately. When they are not maintained, have structural flaws or were improperly installed, a nuclear reactor could release harmful amounts of radiation into the environment during the process of regular use. If a containment field were to rupture suddenly, the resulting leak of radiation could be catastrophic.
SHUTDOWN REACTORS
There have been several nuclear reactors that have failed and been shut down that are still in existence. These abandoned reactors are taking up valuable land space, could be contaminating the areas surrounding them, and yet are often too unstable to be removed.
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