Nuclear Power Is Good Essay Example

plants run at approximately 70 percent.

The Department of Energy (DOE) states that the closure of five domestic nuclear power plants since 1997 has not affected the stability of nuclear energy production. This is because technology advancements have enhanced efficiency, enabling these plants to generate more energy with the same amount of radioactive material. Furthermore, continuous improvements in these processes are projected to lead to even greater efficiency levels. Additionally, depending on nuclear power as the main energy source can assist countries in attaining energy independence and gaining substantial economic benefits.

Energy independence is a vital objective for countries globally as it enables them to be self-sufficient and not reliant on other nations for their energy requirements. Accomplishing energy independence would eradicate the necessity to import fossil fuels. For example, if the United States were to transition from oil to nuclear power, they would no longer rely on the Middle East for oil reserves. Likewise, certain countries such as France encounter a scarcity of natural energy resources. France possesses limited reserves of oil and gas and its coal resources are almost depleted. As a result, French policymakers have pursued nuclear energy as a strategy to achieve energy independence.

The first nuclear power plant in France was opened in 1963, and since then, the country has installed a total of 59 nuclear reactors to meet its domestic energy needs. Additionally, France exports electricity generated from these nuclear plants to other European countries. Moreover, nations that construct nuclear power plants enjoy several advantages. According to the Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI), as of 2008, these plants paid approximately $40 million annually in labor costs but contributed over $400 million to state

and local economies. The NEI also claims that each new construction project for a nuclear facility would generate an estimated $100 million in tax revenue.

Moreover, the construction of power plants creates job opportunities for the country. However, there are widespread concerns regarding the management of nuclear waste. Nuclear waste is produced in various ways, including from the reactor core, radioactive contamination, and byproducts of uranium mining. On average, a typical reactor generates 20 to 30 tons of high-level nuclear waste annually. These radioactive wastes can persist for many decades before fully decomposing. Hence, it is crucial to implement proper disposal methods to safeguard public health and safety as well as preserve environmental quality in terms of air, soil, and water supplies.

In addition to underground burial, alternative disposal methods also exist. According to the Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI), most used fuel from nuclear power plants is stored either in water-filled concrete pools with steel linings or in tightly sealed steel or concrete-and-steel containers.

To conclude, nuclear power not only qualifies as a sustainable form of energy but also offers numerous advantages such as requiring less land while generating greater amounts of energy. It contributes to energy independence for nations and delivers significant benefits for countries.

In recent times, nuclear scientist Paul Wilson emphasizes the urgent societal concern regarding the environmental impact of our energy consumption. He points out that public support for nuclear energy has increased due to concerns about climate change and recognition of its ability to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Wilson stresses the importance of including nuclear energy as a significant part of our future energy mix because it does not produce direct greenhouse gas emissions.

Therefore, choosing nuclear power provides clear benefits.