Nuclear Energy

Nuclear Energy

Nuclear energy is described as the usable energy that is generated from the atomic nuclei that involves controlled nuclear reaction processes. The processes are conducted under keen watch with the aid of nuclear technology. The nuclear reaction process is known as radioactivity and it involves an element known as uranium. Radioactivity entails the splitting of uranium through a process known as nuclear fission. The technology involved in the process generates steam from the split that is hot enough to turn turbines and generate electricity. Current energy problems including climate change that is leading to global warming can be significantly reduced and hopefully curbed through the use of nuclear energy. Additionally, nuclear power stations are designs to help control harmful byproducts that are emitted during the nuclear reactions. Such measures are part of the reason that nuclear energy is considered a solution to climate change. This paper will explore the reasons that nuclear power is the solution to climate change. The benefits of nuclear energy are explained in detail. Nuclear energy is clean, cheap, and reliable and safe compared to other energy sources such as fossil fuels. Rapid climate change would be slowed down and eventually combated through the use of nuclear energy.

Uranium the main source of nuclear energy and the energy generation process requires a small amount to produce a massive volume of energy. As such, the cost of production is significantly reduced while the amount of energy produced is sufficient. An argument that nuclear energy production expenses are embed in the construction of nuclear stations, equipment and constant change in technology needed to produce the energy. The initial cost is significantly high since there are protective measures needed to be in place to prevent negative byproducts from influencing the environment and consequently, the climate. The argument is logical and carries a considerably meaningful point of argument. However, the long-term financial expense is reduced considerably after installation of the equipment. Since the amount of uranium required to produce a massive volume of energy is small, the cost of production is lowered such that the initial cost of installing equipment and constant technology upgrade is covered comfortably. In addition, uranium is easily procured and transportation of the material is also inexpensive making the general cost of production cheap. As such, the cost of energy would be reduced significantly for consumers. Moreover, the effects of the production to climate are minimized because production is done in protective nuclear stations. The byproducts generated from the production process are stored in special containers to curb pollution. The storage facilities are constructed to store several amounts of byproducts making it economic thus, cutting the cost of controlling byproduct spills. 

Nuclear energy is reliable compared to coal or fossil fuels. Nuclear energy as a source of energy has proven to be reliable in terms delivery and sustainability according to research. It is debatable that the reliability of nuclear energy is subject to the mechanical efficiency of the reactors. The reactors can fail and have failed in some stations making the reliability of nuclear energy questionable. Nonetheless, a correctly functioning nuclear power station is able to run for approximately 540 days uninterrupted. The length is almost two years of constant energy generation of equal proportion. For this reason there are minimal power interruptions such as brownouts. Compared to other forms of energy, nuclear energy is reliable in terms of longevity. The reliability of nuclear energy is also uncontested since the production and distribution of energy is non-contingent of foreign intrusions and weather making it the most stable source of energy. Considering the ability of the energy to remain stable in the face of extreme weather conditions and intrusion of foreign bodies to the system, it is evident that the effect on climate is significantly reduced. Unlike fossil fuels that spill during extreme weather changes, nuclear energy can be depended on during unpredictable weather conditions. It is also notable that nuclear energy is not prone to heavy rainfalls like in the case of hydro-electricity or wind powered electricity generating plants. It is therefore logical to agree that nuclear energy is the most efficient source of energy.       

Another reason why nuclear energy is the solution to climate change is that the nuclear plants do not emit greenhouse gases. Such a posit is questionable in that some may argue that the water used in cooling the reactors and pumped to wetlands thereafter may be laced with heavy metals that affect the environment and consequently climate. The argument holds water nevertheless; studies have shown that the amount of emissions generated by the plants is more or less the same as those generated by wind power. Considering such findings, the aspect of cost comes to play to discredit wind power since it is expensive compared to nuclear energy. The lack of greenhouse emissions from the plant is an enticing aspect to most consumers that are cautious of the changes in the climate. Greenhouse emissions are the major contributors to the depletion of the ozone layer that leads to global warming causing unpredictable weather changes. Since the nuclear plant emits insignificant amounts of the gases and the source is renewable, the climate is sure to be improved and hopefully restored when nuclear energy is fully adapted as the only source of energy across the globe. The benefits of minimal emission of greenhouse gasses is not an instant realization since it take time for the environment to repair and influence the climate to stabilize and improve.   

The disposal of byproducts in nuclear plants is easy since the byproducts of nuclear energy generation are disposed of in selected geological sites. It is also vital to note that the byproducts are decayed and they do not have a negative effect on the environment. From a contrary point of view, there is the aspect of structural flaws during the disposal process that could lead to radiation leak. Radiation leak is a significantly harmful incident that has led to death of humans, animals as well as vegetation. However, the probability of structural flaws in a well-constructed nuclear plant is next to none since the initial investment in the construction, equipment and technology in the disposal of nuclear byproducts is intensive. The maintenance of the former is also a crucial consideration that most plants adhere to with a bid to minimize possible accidents or malfunctions.     

In conclusion, nuclear energy is the solution to change in climate being experience across the world. Nuclear energy is safe, clean, reliable and inexpensive. Compared to other sources of energy, nuclear energy is cost efficient considering the availability of material, transportation and disposal of the byproducts. The reliability is unquestionable because the system in not affected by change in weather or interference of foreign bodies. The disposal process is safe and assured because there is a designated site to dispose the waste away from humans and vegetation. Although there are arguments against nuclear energy, the benefits outweigh the possible drawbacks. The plants are constructed in such that there are protective measures involved with consideration to radiation emissions. Nuclear plants also use technology to generate energy. Technology used is upgraded over time to ensure that the system is efficient and effective. It is important to realize that the equipment used in nuclear energy production is specifically designed for the purpose of generating the nuclear energy. The climate is affected by the greenhouse gasses emitted from energy sources such as fossil fuels. Nuclear energy does not emit greenhouse gasses making the energy an ideal solution to climate change.