The Advantages of Having Nuclear Power Plants

Nuclear power plants have been a controversial topic ever since the nuclear reactor core meltdown occurred at Three Mile Island in March of 1979. A nuclear power plant accident like the one that occurred at Chernobyl in 1986 can result in widespread illness and death. However, nuclear power does offer certain advantages when compared to other forms of energy.

Environmental Friendliness

Nuclear power plants can help preserve the environment by lessening the dependence on fossil fuels as a source of energy. The burning of gas, oil and coal is believed by some environmentalists to contribute to atmospheric problems such as global warming and acid rain. Since nuclear plants produce power without relying on these resources, they can help create cleaner air.

Safety

Despite well-publicized accidents such as Three Mile Island and Chernobyl, nuclear plants have proven to be relatively safe. According to Ecolo.org, the chances of dying as the result of a nuclear power plant disaster is lower than dying from heart disease, fire, homicide or motor vehicle accident. The website also indicates that the burning of coal could lead to a widespread virus due to the chemicals produced and set free in the environment.

Energy Supply

Since the energy produced by nuclear power plants is man-made, it means that there is less of a need to depend on natural resources. This eliminates the concern about running out of energy due to exhausting the world's resources. Uranium, which is the primary source of nuclear fuel is used for no other primary purpose and exists in abundant quantities, enough to last for billions of years.

Cost Savings

Nuclear power plants can produce energy in a more cost-effective manner. According to PBS.org, the cost per kilowatt-hour of nuclear electricity is 1.92 cents. By comparison, natural gas costs 2.68 cents and the cost of oil is 3.77 cents. Nuclear electricity is only slightly more expensive than coal-fired electricity, which costs 1.88 cents per kilowatt-hour.

Waste Disposal

Though nuclear waste can be dangerous if not disposed of properly, it has the advantage of being small in quantity and can be buried deep under the ground. This virtually eliminates the danger caused by possible exposure. Nuclear power plants consume uranium, which differs from coal energy production which produces uranium as a waste product that stays at the surface.

References

• Ecolo.org
• PBS.org