The Old Green Energy
I am willing to live next to a nuclear power plant. In fact, I would like one in my backyard. An understanding of safety, reliability, and the potential this form of energy provides is the primary reason for this belief. I also recognize that this position seems to be wildly ignorant of past nuclear disasters, but the potential of this green energy in the face of our current climate situation is too great to be waved away in fear. To see its potential, a deep dive into its efficacy, safety, and reliability is in order.听听听
听听听
What comes to mind when the words 鈥渘uclear power鈥澨 are brought up? A bomb, an unsafe radioactive disaster waiting to happen, an environmental nightmare? I want to challenge these associations. The central issue with writing off nuclear energy because of two public disasters is that it is used as an excuse to prevent new and better nuclear power plant designs from finding funding, despite the hundreds of nuclear power plants that have been operating continuously for nearly 60 years. Nuclear energy is one of the lowest CO2 emitting forms of power generation and one of the safest alongside wind and solar.听 Not only does nuclear power generate clean energy but it also provides substantial amounts of energy for relatively low costs post plant construction.听听听
听听
In 2022 alone, nuclear reactors across the globe provided over 2545 terawatt hours of energy, energy that is produced without greenhouse gas emissions. An amount of energy like this is equivalent to the energy needed to launch a space shuttle through the atmosphere 458 times. Additionally, while nuclear provides 10% of energy globally, it provides 26% of all clean energy produced. In the context of the sheer number of alternative power generation sites, nuclear power鈥檚 output is astounding considering only 438 reactors were active in 2022, compared to thousands of solar and wind sites across the globe. The pure power output of nuclear power compared to its fuel usage eclipses that of other traditional power plants. Nuclear energy relies on energetically dense fuel which is both easily obtained and refined and can run for extended periods of time before needing to be replaced. On average a single nuclear fuel cell can run continuously for 18 months without needing to be replaced. Nuclear power鈥檚 unique energy density allows for cost and energy efficient power generation that is reliable and has longevity. The power nuclear provides meets base load, is consistent, and can rise to meet consumer demands.听听听
听听
Another common concern about nuclear power is its potential health risks. While radiation is nothing to be laughed at for its potential to cause serious harm to humans and animals, the number of deaths per terawatt hour of energy produced for nuclear power is 0.03, this includes deaths due to accidents as well as pollution. In comparison to other energy sources such as coal (24.6 deaths/tWh) and oil (18.4 deaths/tWh) nuclear power is incredibly safe. Nuclear power generation, as measured by deaths/ tWh, is the second safest form of power generation behind solar power. This is no accident, nuclear energy has been designed to be safe and effective, not only in times of regular operation but also in times of disaster.听听听
听听
Not only is nuclear significantly safer than most other forms of power generation, it is also the cleanest form of energy. Over the life cycle of a nuclear plant, a single plant will produce 3 tonnes of CO2. This may not seem impressive until the timeline is put into perspective: a nuclear power plant can operate continuously for up to 40 years. Compared to an average solar power site which produces 5 tonnes of CO2, or a hydroelectric plant which produces 34 tonnes of CO2, nuclear power continues to provide reliable, consistent, and long-lasting power generation without significant emissions. Not only does nuclear power provide the cleanest form of power generation, but it also provides useful isotopes for both medical and industrial use, meaning its expended fuel is not just waste. All these factors and more are why it is so important to continue to build and operate our nuclear power plants.听听听
听听
When we as a civilization fail to renew our investments in nuclear energy, we actively work against climate goals and our ability to become a society independent of fossil fuel power generation. We see this result in countries like Germany, which has taken all of their nuclear power plants offline. As an effect of this policy decision, Germany increased its consumption of both natural gas and coal with the German government even investing billions of dollars into new gas power plants. Germany is an example of policy creating increasingly adverse effects for our planet as they move to more renewables while cutting out nuclear and still using energy sources that are actively working against climate goals. Contrast this policy to France鈥檚, whose 58 nuclear reactors contribute 65-70% of their country鈥檚 energy. France鈥檚 continued effort to provide clean nuclear energy led to significant cuts to their coal and natural gas consumption and allowed them to remain one of Europe鈥檚 top energy exporters and continues to move to a carbon-neutral society.听听
听听
When nuclear power is prevented from operating, or expanding with new plant construction, like it is in Germany, we actively work against the goals of a climate focused society. We turn to old sources like gas and coal to supply power when other renewables are unable to produce consistently. Our instinct, counterintuitively, turns to renewables like hydro and solar that actively produce more carbon through generation and construction on a much shorter life cycle. Our society turns away from decades of safe nuclear plant operation and consistency.听 Nuclear power鈥檚 sheer reliability in the face of disasters is ignored. Nuclear is scorned even when power runs low, and we need a source that is always running. We turn a blind eye to our most efficient and effective form of power generation.听听
听听
Ultimately, nuclear continues to prove its mettle in the ring of power generation, consistently outperforming both renewables and fossil fuels in both safety and consistency; defying the misconceptions and providing safe, clean, and lasting energy for generations to come.听 The energy of the future is already here, and its name is nuclear.听听听