Nuclear Energy & Low Emissions

Nuclear energy presents a relatively clean alternative energy source.

In spite of its menacing reputation, nuclear energy remains safer and cleaner than one might think. Its low greenhouse emission levels improve upon that of traditional fuels and compare to other alternative sources of energy.

Direct Emissions

Generating nuclear power produces no direct greenhouse gas emissions. As of 2009, nuclear energy made up 69.3 percent of carbon dioxide free electricity in the United States. Nuclear power generation avoids the production of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide as well, reducing the production of both by two million tons and half a million tons, respectively.

Indirect Emissions

Generating nuclear power produces some indirect carbon emissions because some of the processes involved generates carbon dioxide. Constructing nuclear power plants, mining uranium, processing and transporting the uranium, storing waste and decommissioning power plants all produce some amount of carbon dioxide.

Comparisons

The production of fossil fuels, including coal, oil and natural gas, creates a large amount of emissions. Renewable sources of energy, like solar, wind and hydro power, also emit no direct greenhouse gases. Nuclear energy's life-cycle emissions appear comparable to these sources in terms of cleanliness.

References

• A Solution for Pollution: Nuclear Energy
• Nuclear Energy Institute: Life-Cycle Emissions Analysis
• Nuclear Energy Institute: Emissions Prevented
• Nature Reports: Nuclear Energy - Assessing the Emissions
• U.S. Energy Information Administration: Nuclear Power and the Environment