ADVANTAGES OF NUCLEAR ENERGY

Limited Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Nuclear energy has passed the test of being a clean form of power. The generation of heat and electricity through nuclear often emits low levels of carbon dioxide. Given the relatively reduced gas emissions, nuclear energy can be said to be a least contributor of Global warming. Environmentalists often lambast the generation of power through coal and petroleum because their reaction often releases large amounts of greenhouse gases to the environment. In the current state, greenhouse gases are the primary threat to environmental catastrophe (Oxlade, 2012). This is because they are responsible for the rise in global temperatures and climate change. Given there is zero emission of these greenhouse gases in nuclear energy production, it is apparent that nuclear reaction has minimal negative effects on the environment.  

Low fuel costs

The fuel costs associated to the production of nuclear energy are very minimal compared to those used in the production of heat and electricity form coal, petroleum, wind or even gas. In addition, its production is often very economical. This is because a small amount of fuel is required to produce relatively large amounts of heat and energy. The production of nuclear energy involves the reaction of radioactive elements, substances whose fission do not call for fuel. Moreover, nuclear power comes from a low priced substance, uranium. The low cost of production materials makes nuclear power a cheaper source of energy. From, environmentalists’ point of view, the production process of nuclear energy is environmental friendly as its benefits outshine the costs. More often, the reactors responsible for the production of nuclear heat and electricity use uranium as its catalyst.

Huge Potential Capabilities

The deposits of Coal, gas and petroleum is fast depleting. This implies that their supply is limited and will be exhausted in the future. However, nuclear energy has a huge potential. That is, it will still supply heat and energy way after coal, gas and petroleum are exhausted. Solar energy can be said to match the huge potential capabilities of nuclear energy but it has to be noted that the potential capabilities of nuclear energy are increased by improved technologies. Therefore, with the ever improving technology, the world is able to shun pollutant energy sources and embrace the cheaper clean sources. In addition, it is estimated that there are large amounts of uranium deposits in the earth surface that are capable of supplying world energy for a hundred years.

Reliability

Nuclear is arguably the most reliable form of energy in the entire universe. Its prowess outshines that of other power sources i.e. coal, wind, petroleum and gas. The reliability of nuclear energy is showcased by the ability of its power plants to operate for considerably long hours on a daily basis. In addition, nuclear reaction does not require fossil fuel for its reactors. Therefore a shortage of oil or goal supply does not hamper the production of this energy. Uranium is often used by nuclear reactors to produce energy.   This form of nuclear fuel is easily available at cheaper prices. Another aspect of reliability is brought about by the ability of nuclear plants to produce huge amounts of energy as compared to other sources. Being able to produce large quantities of energy within a postulated period of time ranks it the best in terms of reliability.

Less Plant space

Nuclear energy production plants occupy less space. The advantage of occupying less space is that these plants can be established in areas that have already been developed, an action that is not possible with the other sources of energy. This undertaking brings with it a number of environmental advantages. First, power plant locations can be restricted from residential zones. Secondly, there is minimal contact between raw materials and the environment. This is because uranium use is restricted to a given location. Finally, incidences can easily be contained much easily as the plants can easily be zoned off.

High Energy generation and Ease in transportation

Nuclear energy is the lone form of power that can be generated in relatively large amounts by a single plant. Nuclear energy can be produced in huge quantities within short time periods. That is an economy is able to meet its energy demands of a specified period of time by producing nuclear energy as a concentrated form. With the ability to produce enough energy in advance, a state is better placed to address environmental concerns with much ease. Also, concentrated form of energy is much easier and cheaper to transport. This reduced bulkiness also minimizes the level of contact with the environment.

Low Plant Maintenance costs

The construction of plants brings with it the destruction of an ecosystem. Worst even is the idea of refurbishing an already running plant on constructing other plants within minimal time frames. Nuclear plants come with a live expectancy of up to 60 years after construction. Despite the minimizing operational costs and rapidly increasing profitability, the plants bring the lifeline to an ecosystem. This is because once a plant is already operational, there are minimal disturbance to the environment. Moreover, raw material transfer is regulated thereby minimizing its contact with the environment.