Nuclear Power
Nuclear energy occurs when isotopes of uranium and plutonium go under a controlled nuclear fission. The heat is used to produces steam, spinning turbines and generating electricity. It is a very clean fuel source for the air, emitting only ⅙ as much CO , as coal plants. Despite the cleanliness, it is very dangerous. The worst nuclear power plant accident in Ukraine killed 56 people and impacted 4,000 more with thyroid cancer and leukemia. However the risk of accidents are now low because of multiple safety systems in place.
ADVANTAGES |
DISADVANTAGES |
Emits 1/6 as much CO2 as coal (environmental) |
Low net energy yield (environmental) |
Moderate land use (environmental) |
Subject to terrorist attacks (societal) |
Large fuel supply (economic) |
High environmental impacts, with major accidents (environmental) |
Low environmental impact (environmental) |
Cannot compete economically without huge government subsidies (economic) |
Moderate land disruption and water pollution (environmental) |
Catastrophic accidents can happen (environmental) |