In a nuclear power plant, fission produces energy in the Nuclear Steam Supply System that turns water into steam. The steam turns turbines connected to an electricity generator as shown in figure 1 in the index attached (Farris). Electricity produced in this form has both pros and cons
Advantages
Maehlum noted that although the initial cost of a nuclear plant is high, the source of energy to run it (fission of uranium) is low. The only significant cost is the maintenance of the facility, enriching the uranium, and disposing of the waste. Moreover, nuclear energy has little pollution effect on the environment in comparison with fossil fuel. Fission does not release greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, and therefore, does not contribute to global warming. Besides, nuclear power is reliable, the amount of uranium available can run for between 70 and 80 years. It is independent of weather conditions unlike the wind and solar energy. It also produces significantly large output per plant when compared to hydro, geothermal, or wind power.
Disadvantages
Nuclear fission produces radio waves that are hazardous. In this regard, it pollutes the environment from two fronts; first, mining and transporting of the uranium use fossil fuels that populate the environment. Secondly, the wastes from the nuclear plants possess a danger to plants and animals due to radioactivity. Further, uranium is a non-renewable energy source, unlike hydro, solar, or wind power. The cost of initialization is quite high compared to other energy sources. The plants need to be away from people, strong, and with a full emergency plan in case of accidents. The most definite drawback of nuclear energy is accidents. For example, the Fukushima accident in Japan in 2011. A series of equipment failure led to the release of radioactive materials around the plant. The Chernobyl disaster of 1986 had the same effects. See figure II in the index (Top 10 Nuclear Disasters). Nuclear energy has bot pros and cons as described above. It seems that the benefits outweigh the drawbacks.
Works cited
"Top 10 Nuclear Disasters in the World." Process Industry Forum Top 10 Nuclear Disasters Comments. 2013. Web. 03 May 2016. <http://www.processindustryforum.com/hottopics/nucleardisasters>.
Maehlum, Mathias A. "Nuclear Energy Pros and Cons - Energy Informative." Energy Informative. 3 May 2013. Web. 03 May 2016. <http://energyinformative.org/nuclear- energy-pros-and-cons/>.
Farris, Andrew. "I. Overview." EnergyBC: Nuclear Power. 2012. Web. 03 May 2016. <http://www.energybc.ca/profiles/nuclear.html>.
Index
Figure II. Chernobyl accident. Adopted from Top 10 Nuclear Disasters
