Blog for Unit 3

 Nuclear energy is a form of energy generated from nuclear fission or nuclear fusion of atoms.

Advantages:

1. No emission of gases: Nuclear power plants allow for electricity generation without emitting greenhouse gases. In this sense, it does not contribute to global warming as it is an alternative to fossil fuels. The smoke coming out of the chimneys is water vapor.

2. High energy yield with little fuel: Large amounts of energy are obtained with a small amount of fuel. This implies two advantages:

• Savings in raw materials.

• Savings in transportation, extraction, and handling of uranium. The cost of uranium accounts for 20% of the cost of generated energy.

3. Predictable: Electricity production is continuous. A nuclear power plant generates electricity for almost 90% of the hours in a year. That is, it does not depend on natural aspects. This continuity favors electrical planning. Cost-wise, it is also predictable. Uranium does not suffer from the price volatility that other fuels do.

Disadvantages:

1. Accidents have serious consequences: Nuclear power plant safety systems are extremely high. However, the human factor always has some impact. In the face of an unforeseen event, the decisions made are not always the best. We have two good examples in Chernobyl and Fukushima.

2. Management of nuclear waste: A significant disadvantage is the management of nuclear waste. Nuclear waste takes many years to lose its radioactivity and danger. There are confinement solutions, but they cannot make the waste disappear.

3. Facilities with expiration date: Nuclear reactors have an expiration date. They must be dismantled afterward. Approximately 80 new nuclear reactors should be built every ten years.

Nuclear energy is a source of power that has the potential to generate large amounts of electricity efficiently and with low carbon emissions. However, it also raises significant concerns about safety, nuclear waste management, and the proliferation of nuclear weapons. It is important to carefully assess these aspects both in terms of benefits and risks when considering the role of nuclear energy in the global energy mix.