Bill
Nuclear energy is a powerful force that binds the nucleus of an atom together. [1] This energy can be released through a process called nuclear fission, in which uranium atoms are split to produce heat. This heat turns water into steam, which then drives turbines and generates electricity in nuclear power plants. Today, nuclear energy is used in various sectors, including electricity generation, military applications, and civil infrastructure.
While it offers many benefits, it also presents serious risks. For instance, nuclear energy is expensive to develop and produces significant waste. [1] Since the 1950s, nuclear energy has expanded to supply about 9% of the world’s electricity through approximately 440 reactors. It currently accounts for about 25% of low-carbon electricity, making it the second-largest source of low-carbon energy globally. [2] While nuclear energy is a powerful and low-carbon source of electricity that supports both civilian and military advancements, it also poses serious challenges such as radioactive waste, high costs, and potential disasters-making it a highly debated energy source that demands careful management and innovations.
Although originally developed in the 1940s for weapons, nuclear technology shifted to peaceful energy generation in the 1950s.[2] Today, over 30 countries rely on nuclear energy as part of their national power strategies. Nuclear power is one of the cleanest energy sources, providing carbon-free electricity. [4][7] By splitting uranium atoms, nuclear fission produces heat that powers turbines—without the greenhouse gases linked to fossil fuels. [5] [3] In fact, by using nuclear energy, the United States alone has avoided 471 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions.[5]
Additionally, nuclear power plants produce high energy output compared to most sources, making them ideal for supplying reliable baseload electricity. [7] Beyond civilian use, nuclear technology also plays a critical role in national defense. Countries such as the United States, China, North Korea, and Russia maintain nuclear submarines and develop nuclear weapons. [6] Moreover, nuclear energy has a relatively small land footprint, reducing ecological impact and making it a sustainable choice for large-scale power generation.[7]
However, despite its benefits, nuclear energy presents significant challenges. Although clean and efficient, nuclear power isn’t truly renewable, and the upfront costs to build reactors are extremely high. [7] Furthermore, nuclear power generates radioactive waste, which is extremely toxic and remains hazardous for hundreds of thousands of years. Managing this waste safely is a complex issue; it is typically stored in water pools or dry storage tanks under strict regulations. [8][1] Yet, no permanent disposal solution currently exists-most waste is kept in temporary facilities. In addition to waste concerns, nuclear facilities can become targets for terrorist operations.
A single attack could release a massive amount of radioactive material, threatening both humans and environmental safety. Accidents caused by human error or natural disasters also highlight the risks of nuclear energy. [8] For example, the 1986 Chernobyl disaster in Ukraine, a reactor explosion released a cloud of radioactive particles that spread across Europe. The fallout caused massive environmental damage. Over 100,000 people were evacuated, but the long-term health effects, such as cancer, are difficult to measure due to delayed symptoms and complex causes. Several decades later, a massive tsunami bypassed the safety mechanisms of power plants in Fukushima Japan in 2011 which caused three nuclear meltdowns, resulting in the release of radioactive materials into the surrounding area.[8] These events not only caused billions of dollars in damage, but also left lasting uncertainty regarding the long-term health effects, including radiation-linked illnesses. Cancer rates among these populations rose significantly in the years after the accidents. These tragedies emphasize the potential human and financial costs of nuclear energy when things go wrong.
In evaluating nuclear power, it is also important to compare it with other major energy sources. In terms of energy efficiency, nuclear energy provides the most consistent baseload power when compared to coal, natural gas, solar, wind and hydropower. It is also a low-carbon source, on par with wind, solar and hydropower, and significantly better than fossil fuels. [9] However, nuclear power is expensive to build-though relatively inexpensive to operate- and its waste remains a major long-term concern. As discussed earlier, radiation is the most critical issue associated with nuclear power. If an accident occurs, radiation could cause irreversible damage to both people and the environment. To address the challenge of radioactive waste, one of the most promising solutions is deep geological disposal. This involves safely burying waste deep underground in stable geological formations. Reprocessing some nuclear waste to extract usable uranium and plutonium is also under consideration. [10] Other proposed solutions have included long-term surface storage, disposal in outer space, subduction zones, ice sheets, and the ocean, but most are currently not permitted for various reasons. Encouragingly, some countries are actively researching safer and more sustainable long-term waste management solutions.
The nuclear industry has become highly globalized, with components and fuel sourced from countries around the world. Taken together, the benefits and risks of nuclear power paint a complex picture. It not only provides a reliable, low-carbon source of electricity but also plays a critical role in military defense and occupies a relatively small land footprint compared to other energy sources. Despite its many advantages, nuclear energy comes with serious risks, particularly in terms of radioactive waste, high construction costs, and the potential for catastrophic accidents. Beyond energy production, nuclear technology contributes significantly to fields such as healthcare, disease control, and space exploration, making it an important part of sustainable development.[2] While the dangers cannot be ignored, the future of nuclear energy holds immense potential. As the planet faces growing challenges like global warming and pollution, nuclear power may provide a powerful solution—offering clean, efficient energy that can support the world’s growing needs. With continued innovation and responsible management, nuclear energy could become one of the most transformative forces in our transition to a more sustainable future.
By: Sein Park
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