Modern civilization is inconceivable without electricity. The development and use of electricity increases every year, but humanity can already feel the coming energy shortage due to depletion of deposits of fossil fuels and the increasing environmental losses when receiving electricity.
The energy released in nuclear reactions is million times higher than energy received from ordinary chemical reactions (such as combustion reaction), so that the calorific value of the fuel is immeasurably greater than conventional fuels. Use of nuclear fuel for power generation is an extremely attractive idea.
The advantages of nuclear power plants before heat and hydro power plants are obvious: there are no wastes and gas emissions, there is no need build huge constructions, like dams and to bury the fertile land at the bottom of reservoirs. Perhaps only the power, using the energy of sunlight or wind, is more environmentally friendly than nuclear power plants. However, wind turbines, and solar stations are underpowered and cannot meet the needs of the people in the cheap electricity. In addition, this need is growing extremely fast (Zott & Schier, 2013)
Yet the feasibility of construction and operation of nuclear power plants often have been questioned because of the harmful effects of radioactive substances on the environment and humans. Operation of nuclear power plants is accompanied by not only the danger of radioactive contamination but by other impacts on the environment. Thermal effect has half-two times higher impact than thermal power stations. It is necessary to cool the exhaust steam. The easiest way is to use cool water from rivers, lakes, seas, or specially constructed pools. Water is heated to 5-15 °C and then returns to the same source. However, this method carries the danger of environmental degradation in the aquatic environment in areas of NPP location (“Nuclear Energy: The Light and Dark Sides.”, 2012)
Experts, who are most qualified to assess the merits and the possibility of using nuclear power, believe that humanity will not survive without nuclear energy. Nuclear energy is one of the most promising ways to quench the energy hunger of humanity in terms of energy issues related to the shortage of fossil fuels.
References
Zott, L. M., & Schier, H. (2013). Nuclear power. Farmington Hills, MI: Greenhaven Press.
Nuclear Energy: The Light And Dark Sides. (2012, April 26). Mondaq Business Briefing. Retrieved March 30, 2016.
