NUCLEAR POWER PLANT: IS IT SAFE FOR OUR ENVIRONMENT?

By: Daniel Clyde R. Bernasibo

           Whenever we hear “Nuclear energy”, certain images immediately pop into our heads. It may be an image of a nuclear bomb, or the nuclear accident at Chernobyl, but little do people know that nuclear energy is a form of energy production considered to be one of the most environmental friendly. It has fewer emissions with great efficiency compared, but since it has its pros, then there must also be cons. We will be discussing those pros and cons in this article.

NUCLEAR ENERGY

            Before discussing nuclear energy’s pros and cons, we must first need to know what a “nuclear energy” is. Nuclear energy is produced by splitting atoms(spefically uranium atoms). Once split into two smaller, lighter atoms, the “lost” mass is converted into heat, since energy doesn’t just disappear. The converted heat then will be used to produce electricity. Simply said, these reactions can take place in a controlled atmosphere at nuclear power plants. [1]

PROS

            Nuclear energy, compared to other sources, is one of the most cost-effective and reliable energy. Other than the initial cost of construction, producing electricity is less expensive and more environmentally friendly than producing energy from sources like oil, coal, and gas. It has a consistent source of energy since the production of nuclear electricity is steady and dependable. Unlike other sources like wind and solar electricity, which are  impacted by the weather. Additionally, When compared to other energy sources like fossil fuels, nuclear power has the lowest carbon emissions and has a smaller carbon footprint. The process of obtaining fuel and building the plant are where the majority of carbon dioxide emissions take place, not when energy is produced. When compared to the energy generated from fossil fuels, nuclear power plants produce very few pollutants overall. Currently, the use of nuclear energy prevents the generation of more than 555 million metric tons of carbon annually. The decrease in greenhouse gases is a great indication of how switching to nuclear energy would lessen the long-term effects on climate change. [2]

CONS

        Future power demands can be met using nuclear energy, which is a viable alternative and dependable energy source. Yet, there are a number of negative aspects of nuclear energy to take into account, including its potential effects on the environment. Firstly is that, nuclear energy’s construction is expensive, its costing can reach over a billion dollars. Secondly, although nuclear energy production doesn't result in any emissions, but it does create radioactive waste as a byproduct. To prevent environmental pollution, the garbage must be kept in safe locations. Little doses of radiation are not dangerous, but nuclear plant radioactive waste is dangerous. Nuclear power facilities must spend a lot of money and worry about how to store radioactive waste. The only option at this time is to encapsulate and store nuclear waste in facilities located deep below because there is no way to eliminate it. Perhaps, in the near future, new methods of storing radioactive waste will be developed as technology advances. Lastly, thorium and uranium are key components used in nuclear power reactors to produce energy. Nuclear fusion or breeder reactors must be developed before thorium and uranium reserves run out, or electricity production would be impossible. Due to limited resources, nuclear power is now just a costly short-term a  lternative for generating electricity. [2]

CONCLUSION

          Nuclear energy is a good a means of electricity production, as it is more more efficient than other sources. It does not give a good effect when collecting its source. Beyond the trash they generate, nuclear power plants have a negative influence on the environment. The procedures used to mine and enrich uranium are not eco-friendly. Although uranium mining in open pits is safe for the miners, it pollutes adjacent water sources, leaves behind radioactive debris, and causes erosion. The situation is not much better for underground mining, which also exposes workers to high radiation levels when extracting and treating radioactive waste rock. So generally, nuclear energy is a good source of power, but collecting its resources has harmful effect to the environment.

REFERENCES

[1] S. P. &. Gas, "The Pros & Cons of Nuclear Energy: Is it safe?," 2018.

[2] O. Hudson, "Advantages and Disadvantages of Nuclear Power Stations," 2022.