Description
Ideally, nuclear power refers to the energy released by nuclear plants through processes of fusion and fission. Nuclear energy uses fuel generated from mined and processed uranium to produce steam and generate electricity. The process of producing electricity through nuclear reactors is relatively similar to the way other plants produce electric energy (Ferguson 40). Specifically, the nuclear power station converts the nuclear energy in uranium particles into electricity by splitting the atoms to create heat. The heat is used to turn turbines that are connected to a generator. Subsequently, the generator produces electricity. The main advantage of nuclear energy is based on of the fact that it is clean and efficient (Ferguson 45).
Factors That Make It Sustainable
Sustainable sources of energy are often obtained from non-exhaustible sources of energy. Primarily, nuclear energy is sustainable because of its relatively low carbon emissions. Therefore, it plays a crucial role in providing clean energy sources for sustainable global development. Furthermore, its sustainability can be enhanced through the use of fusion reactors and breeder reactors (Ferguson 60). Research indicates that nuclear fusion is the primary aspect of harnessing nuclear energy. Therefore, by controlling the atomic fusion process, nuclear energy can be a practically unlimited source of energy, which is one of the key elements of a sustainable energy source (Ferguson 89).
Negative Consequences of Nuclear Energy
The main consequence of nuclear energy is widely associated with radioactive waste, which is extremely dangerous and must be carefully disposed to avoid environmental contamination. Radioactive wastes pose immense risks to the lives of individuals and the environment as well (Ferguson 132). Moreover, nuclear energy is relatively expensive, especially when compared to other sources of energy, because it needs huge capital investments to establish. Developing nations cannot afford such expensive sources of energy. They also take many years to construct and require many legal formalities because of the challenges it poses to the environment and humans (Ferguson 189).
Work Cited
Ferguson, Charles. Nuclear Energy: What Everyone Needs to Know? New York: Oxford University Press, 2011. Print.
