Benefits of nuclear power PDF

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The benefits of nuclear power outweigh the risks associated with the technology.
Nuclear power, a form of energy generated from nuclear reactions, is a technology whose
popularity is on the rise currently providing about 11% of the world’s electrical power[CITATION
Ric15 \l 1033 ]. This growth may be attributed to the advantages that come with nuclear power.
However, negative outcomes from generation and use of nuclear power exist. Positive and
negative outcomes from nuclear power may be categorized as either environmental, social or
economic[CITATION Kri12 \l 1033 ].
Nuclear power may be described as an environmentally friendly source energy. This is as
opposed to an alternative source of energy such as fossil fuels. Nuclear power emits fewer
greenhouse gases as compared to alternative sources of energy such as fossil fuels which
contribute about 76% of greenhouse effects (Anderson). Waste obtained from nuclear fuel is
very small as compared to waste obtained from fossil fuel processes (Martin). Even with this big
environmental advantage of nuclear power, some negative effect comes along with the nuclear
power to the environment. Transportation of nuclear fuel is hazardous if poorly handled and may
cause damage to anything surrounding the point of disposal (Rinkesh). Disposal is preferably
supposed to be deep underground where there exist permanent geological repositories. This
makes it safer for restricting emission of radioactive substances. An overview of the
environmental impacts of nuclear power reveals that nuclear power is environmentally friendly.
Negative environmental effects exist but if properly handled can be controlled and mitigated.

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Adaptation of nuclear power may save the earth from adverse effects of global warming which is
a huge threat to the current world.
Nuclear power has economic impacts which may be discussed in terms of it relatively cost-
effective and stability of prices of nuclear energy due to its reliability. Generation of nuclear
energy is cheap as compared to other sources of energy. It is argued that energy derived from
nuclear fission is greater than energy derived from burning a fossil fuel atom. To be precise, the
energy produced from nuclear fission is ten million times greater[CITATION Mat12 \l 1033 ].
Uranium, the source of nuclear power, contributes 20% of the cost of power produced adding to
the cost advantage since more power is produced from less uranium. Despite being cost
effective in terms of production, costs associated with setup of a power plant are relatively high
(Mæhlum). Operation and maintenance costs are also very high given the extensive research
underway to ensure proper management of the radioactive wastes
Reliability is key in economic growth. A reliable source contributes to constant supply which
ensures sustainability in production. Nuclear power is a reliable source of energy. Aspects of
reliability could be in terms of operation, supply and price stability. With nuclear power plants
operating 90% of the times in the year, there is ensured flow of nuclear fuel[CITATION Rin18 \l
1033 ]. Nuclear reactors are made to last for an average of 40 years without developing any
challenges. This supports the fact that nuclear power is a reliable source of power. Given its
reliability, nuclear power is a great contributor to economic development through a continuous
power supply. With uranium being the primary source of nuclear power, its long-term supply in
the future is not to be relied on since it might not go beyond the 21st century[CITATION Lis11 \l
1033 ]. This is not promising for the reliability of nuclear power in the future. However, nuclear
power can be termed as the seasonal reliable energy source of the century. Nuclear power prices