An Analysis of the Benefits and Risks Associated with Nuclear Power

This essay delves into the multifaceted aspects of nuclear power, arguing that its benefits outweigh the associated risks. It begins by highlighting nuclear power's environmental advantages, particularly its lower greenhouse gas emissions compared to fossil fuels, while acknowledging the hazards of waste disposal and transportation. The essay then examines the economic impacts, emphasizing the cost-effectiveness and price stability of nuclear energy, despite the high initial setup costs. Furthermore, it addresses the social responsibilities of nuclear power plants, including worker safety and public health, while recognizing potential breaches of these principles. The essay concludes by reiterating that, despite the health complications caused by radioactive substances, the advantages of nuclear power, such as environmental conservation and economic benefits, make it a valuable energy source.

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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
(Anderson). 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 (Iversen).
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 (Mæhlum). 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 (Rinkesh). 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 (Zyga). 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 may be described as stable even in

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the future. Perrin, (Quarshire), indicates that if fuel prices were doubled, nuclear power
electricity cost would rise the least at 9% compared to other sources such as coal which would
rise 31% and gas which would rise 66%. This clearly indicates that nuclear power prices are
more stable as compared to other power sources. Perrin further says that the value of nuclear
power is been recognized in providing price stability since it is competitive and cheap.
Social responsibility of nuclear power plants is a topic of concern. Their impact on the society
they operate in should be beneficial to the society at large. For instance, workers safety should be
promoted, protecting public health and the environment at large. However, at times the
principles set may be broken with or without the prior consent of the organization. In the case of
environmental protection, accidents may happen during transportation of waste products. This
may lead to exposure of the radioactive materials to the society which is against the social
responsibility of environmental protection. Where cases like this happen, the power plant has a
responsibility to manage the situation and safeguard the society. The code of conduct for nuclear
power plants has the interests of the society at heart. It protects society from negative effects that
may arise from the operation of nuclear power plants, maintaining moral and ethical standards of
the society. The code of conduct addresses issues which if uncontrolled may lead to the collapse
of the society. For instance, the issue of corruption has been addressed by the code of conduct
whereby power plants are expected to come up with internal programs to fight against
corruption. Labor rights are as well addressed by the code of conduct, clearly indicating
prohibitions on child and forced labor, employment discrimination and freedom to collective
bargaining. Generally, the negative implications of nuclear power may arise as a result of
accidents or negligence by relevant individuals or organizations. The set rules aimed at
benefiting the society although mistakes and accidents do happen.

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Clearly, nuclear power is a technology with its downside. Radioactive substances emitted by
nuclear wastes cause health complications with cases of cancer been extreme at different time
stages after exposure (Peterson 67). This is an issue of great concern and threat to humanity.
However, the benefits of nuclear power outweigh its negative effects. Besides contributing to
environmental conservation by reducing greenhouse effects, nuclear power is a cost-effective
and economy building energy source.

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Works Cited
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Iversen, Kristen. "Full Body Burden: Growing up in the Nuclear Shadow of Rocky Flats." 26
August 2013. CSUS. https://www.csus.edu/onebook/assets/images/obp%20full%20body
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Mæhlum, Mathias Aarre. Top 10 Benefits of Going Solar. 16 October 2012.
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Rinkesh. Conserve Energy Future. 1 November 2018. https://www.conserve-energy-
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