Alternative Energy Vs. Nuclear Energy
There is little question that the fossil-fuel driven world of the twentieth century cannot be sustained indefinitely. Fossil fuels are a finite source, and will eventually run out, to say nothing of the environmental impact. To that end, people have begun looking at alternative energy sources taken from the world around them, and from the power contained at the atomic level. Unfortunately, whether it is nuclear, solar, wind, or geothermal, there is no easy answer to society's energy demands.
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The Debate
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A hydroelectric dam
When people talk about alternative energy sources, they usually mean one of three options: solar, wind, and geothermal. Hydroelectric power is considered an alternative energy source as well, but recent environmental concerns over the impact of large dams have made it less desirable. Regardless, many proponents of these view them as being the only "green" alternatives. Nuclear power, although it does not produce any of the emissions of fossil fuels, is seen as being just as bad by many people. Yet it is the only non fossil fuel power source with a proven track record of supplying plentiful power, and it is much safer than many presume it to be.
Availability
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Geothermal Vents
The availability of alternative energy sources is considered one of the primary benefits to them. Solar and wind energy in particular are seen as being plentiful and easy to get. The reality is that the windmills or solar panels must be grouped together in large installations in order to provide power to anything approaching the size of even a small city. Moreover, they depend on the right meteorological conditions. Nuclear power plants can be built anywhere, and other than consideration of fault lines, do not require specific locations and conditions in order to generate large amounts of power. They do require fuel, however, and it is fuel that must be mined at considerable expense.
Safety Concerns
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A modern windmill
Public perception of safety is one of the greatest obstacles to nuclear power, although most industry experts say it is far safer than the public believes. Many nations, such as France, get much of their power from nuclear energy, yet the public focuses on the few accidents that have happened. Alternative energy sources, by contrast, are seen as being "safe" and accident free. This is not always the case though, especially in the case of geothermal heat if the superheated water is released unsafely into the environment, or worse yet a populated area. However, it is true that neither wind nor solar have the kind of safety concerns associated with nuclear power. There are environmental concerns, however, especially with the large scale windfarms that will be needed, in particular their impact on wildlife.
Small-scale Power
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Solar panels on a building
Alternative energy sources do have one clear advantage over nuclear. With the exception of hydroelectric power, all are viable for the average homeowner or business. Putting solar panels on a roof or a windmill in the backyard may not achieve energy independence but it would help reduce the individual's reliance on fossil fuel sources. There is usually at least one alternative option which is feasible in any given location, across all climes. The biggest obstacle is the initial financial investment. Many feel that initial expense may well be worth it in the long term. Nuclear power only works in large, traditional power plants.
Misconceptions
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A nuclear power plant with cooling tower.
When it comes to alternative energy vs. nuclear energy, one of the biggest misconceptions is that any one source will provide the solution for society's energy needs. While there are places that have "gone green" around the world by reducing the amount of fossil fuels, these places have done so with a combination of approaches. Ultimately, the goal is to produce enough electricity to power modern society, and to date the only non-fossil fuel energy that has demonstrated this ability in a multitude of locations is nuclear. Nuclear power does not rely on local conditions and utilizes technology that has been tried, tested, and implemented for decades. Combined with other alternative sources, these can provide the clean energy modern society is looking for.
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