The writing is about Nuclear energy and the advantages and disadvantages it offers over other means, ways and sources of power generation like Hydroelectric plants, coal powered power plants etc. The organization pattern being used here is Problem-method-solution, which puts across problems first and then proposes effective and useful solutions.
Nuclear energy is a way of creating heat through the fission process of atoms. The power plants covert heat into electricity using steam. (USNRC, 2012). Nuclear energy has been used for quite sometime by many developed and developing countries to meet their power and energy requirements. Like all other methods and ways of power generation, Nuclear energy offers various advantages and disadvantages.
Nuclear energy is much more reliable form of energy compared to fossil fuels like coal, gas etc. Nuclear plants are capable of running for days at a stretch without any disruptions, a fact that adds to their reliability. Unlike other forms of energy involving fossil fuels, Nuclear energy does not contribute to Air Pollution levels nor does it emit green house gases. This advantage of Nuclear Power makes it really attractive. The cost of electricity generated from Nuclear power is one of the lowest and hence it makes electricity cheaper and more affordable. Moreover, Nuclear energy has huge potential. It is almost infinite compared to the limited and peak features of other forms of energy like Wind, Geothermal, Oil, Gas and others. (Shah 2011).
‘Each coin has two opposite sides’, the adage holds good in the case of Nuclear Energy too. It has various disadvantages like the issues related with disposal of nuclear waste, High Capital Investment, high gestation period and the fear of tragic nuclear accidents involving radioactive radiations. Despite the various flaws that Nuclear energy is plagued with, it is still a very lucrative form of energy and holds an upper hand over other forms. The amount of waste generated by nuclear plants is less when compared to waste and pollution generated by other forms including fossil fuels. Moreover latest advents in technology have made the disposal of nuclear waste far safer. Nuclear plants and their construction is considered costlier and they are often criticized for Cost overruns, but in comparison to other forms nuclear energy is still cheaper. Even though the construction of plant is costlier, the land required in comparison to hydroelectric plants is way too less. Also, a Nuclear plant has much longer life in comparison to other kind of plants and hence when compared over a longer period, nuclear power is not costly. The biggest concern surrounding nuclear plants are the accidents which might result in radioactive accidents, though the concern is genuine it certainly is overhyped and exaggerated. Accidents at other sites like Hydroelectric can be grave too. Moreover, other sources like Coal plants and hydroelectric plants contribute to ecological disturbances and pollution that has lethal effects on our environment, something Nuclear energy is almost free of.
Hence, Nuclear energy hold an important place in today’s world and it is almost impossible to do without it. Even though it has some disadvantages, its advantages outweigh and outclass them. Nuclear energy is almost at par with other sources of energy.
References
USNRC (2012). What is Nuclear Energy? Nrc.gov. Retrieved December 6, 2012,
Shah, Abhishek (2011). Nuclear energy Advantages vs. Disadvantages. Retrieved December
6, 2012, from
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