Is Nuclear Energy a Viable Energy Source for the Future?
Nuclear energy has long been made use of in the United States and the rest of the world. However, it has also been a source of controversy ever since its inception. The truth of the matter is that the use of nuclear energy comes with a unique set of pros and cons that make it a long running work in progress.
Nuclear Power is an Effective Source of Energy
You should note that nuclear power has been proven to be a very effective energy source. Even as most nuclear reactors in the United States are reaching the age of 40, they have already been green lighted to work for another 40. The average expectancy for nuclear power is 80 years.
This is a source of energy that operates at peak capacity over 90 percent of the time. Since the 1990’s, nuclear sources have provided over a fifth of the energy required to power the nation. This is a source of power that is clean, reliable, long lasting, and prone to only a handful of setbacks that can be corrected.
Radioactive Waste is an Issue to Consider
It is true that one of the biggest drawbacks for nuclear energy at the present time is the large accumulation of radioactive waste. Nearly 2,000 tons of this type of deadly waste are produced by nuclear reactors in the United States on a yearly basis. This is waste that can have a half life of nearly 250,000 years.
While this is a continuing issue that needs to be paid close attention to, it is also the case that research is ongoing to lessen the issue. At the present time, new storage and disposal methods are being come up by experts in the industry. The goal is obviously to make nuclear waste production less harmful and costly.
Nuclear Power Doesn’t Cost Much to Generate
It is true that nuclear power does come with a very high upfront price tag. But once the initial costs have been covered, this is a form of energy that will quickly pay for itself. Nuclear energy is one of the world’s most inexpensive sources of energy, edging out coal, gas, and oil as far as cost effectiveness.
The reader should also take note of the fact that the use of nuclear energy can quickly bring other benefits. These include the very low risk of inflation. This is due to the fact that, unlike fossil fuel, there is no foreseeable shortage of this type of energy. As a result, it can never be hoarded to drive up prices.
Nuclear Energy Can Help Reduce Pollution Levels
One of the biggest boons that nuclear energy brings with it is a much lower level of pollution emissions. A recent study by experts in the industry has shown that the use of nuclear energy can go a long way toward reducing the total amount of greenhouse gas emissions. This will help the environment immensely.
Nuclear energy has recently been proven to reduce the total level of emissions by over 555 million metric tons. This is a very significant figure to keep in mind when debating its ultimate utility.
Nuclear Energy is an Ongoing Option
At the end of the day, it will be up to you to decide whether the pros of making use of nuclear energy are sufficient to outweigh the potential cons. But you should also be aware that the days of panic over a potential meltdown or other disaster are largely over. Nuclear power has proven to be a safe energy source.
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