Nuclear Power Pros and Cons

Nuclear power is basically the power produced from controlled nuclear reactions. Owing to its various advantages, nuclear power has gained wide popularity as one of the most efficient alternative energy source in the world. As of 2008, nuclear power constituted approximately 15 percent of power production worldwide. In fact, around 77 percent of the electricity in France is derived from nuclear energy. In the United States, nuclear energy powers 20 percent of the total electricity consumption. Before we move on to nuclear power pros and cons, we need to have a brief look at nuclear power generation.

How Does Nuclear Power Work?

Nuclear power is produced in controlled environment by heating water to such an extent that it becomes steam and rotates the turbines to produce power. Nuclear power plant work are fueled by radioactive elements, such as enriched uranium, plutonium or thorium. These elements are placed in the nuclear reactors, wherein each atom is allowed to split apart. This splitting, technically referred to as 'nuclear fission', releases energy in vast amounts. This energy is in turn used to heat water, in order to convert it to steam. The steam rotates the turbines in the plant, which in turn forces the coils of wire to interact with a magnetic field and produces electricity.

Nuclear Power Pros and Cons

Like any other source of energy, nuclear power also has its own pros and cons. As nuclear power is not dependent on fossil fuels, the amount of pollution is comparatively less, but at the same time any damage or malfunctioning in the plant can triggers hazardous effects on the surroundings. Let's have a detailed look at some of the most prominent nuclear power advantages and disadvantages.

Nuclear Power Advantages
Not being dependent on fossil fuels is perhaps the biggest advantage of nuclear power. Power plants which burn coal are highly polluting, which makes it hazardous for the environment. More importantly, the fuel used in nuclear power generation is much more efficient and found in abundance. Large reserves of uranium are spread in many parts of the world. Scientific estimates suggest that the rate at which the fossil fuel are being used today, their reserves are bound to become empty by the end of this century. More importantly, new breeder reactors have the capacity of producing much more fuel than what they use. Nuclear power is the best example of efficient power generation owing the fact that the amount of fuel needed is very less and power generated is immense. Owing to this threats such as natural calamities, strikes, etc. don't affect nuclear energy generation. Nuclear reactors are built taking various precautions so as to avoid the chances of any more nuclear power plant disasters.

Nuclear Power Disadvantages
Everything about nuclear power is not very pleasant though. Most of the nuclear power disadvantages are related to safety measures. Loss of coolant water in the reactor can lead to overheating and eventually trigger meltdown. This can lead to fuel seepage in the ground, thus triggering disastrous effect on the surroundings. The byproducts of this process remains radioactive for thousands of years and cause radiation harmful for living beings. These harmful radiations can lead to disorders such as cancer, radiation sickness and genetic mutation. Although chances are rare, a possible nuclear power disaster can create a havoc in miles, in area around the plant. There have been some such examples in history, the Chernobyl Tragedy and the Three Mile Island are best examples of tragedy that can happen. These nuclear power plants also have possible threat from terrorist activities. Other than these international relationships also play a major role in nuclear power generation.

Nuclear Power Facts

Other than the nuclear power pros and cons, we also need to take some of the other facts, about nuclear power, into consideration before coming to a conclusion. Here are some such nuclear power facts.

• A single ton of uranium produces more energy than a million tons of coal.
• Nuclear energy was discovered by a French physicist - Henri Becquerel, in 1896.
• There are 104 commercial nuclear power plants in the United States.
• An average individual in the United States absorbs 360 millirems of radiation every year.
• France which is the leading producer of electricity from nuclear power even exports this electricity for profit.

These were some nuclear power pros and cons which have to be taken into consideration before we decide whether we can use nuclear power to generate electricity on a large-scale or not. Although there are several benefits of nuclear power, mankind is not in position to bear another Chernobyl. Before we come to any conclusion we need to solve the safety aspect of nuclear power. Only then can it become the most efficient source of energy.