The Benefits of Nuclear Energy - Essay Example

The benefits of nuclear energy Nuclear energy is the power that arises out of nuclear fission, nuclear fusion, and nuclear decay. These are exothermic processes that generate energy. Nuclear energy is one of the key manifestations of the human endeavor at manipulating life towards the benefit of the human race. This is because it involves manipulating atoms to create vast amounts of energy. The discovery of nuclear energy invites both ecstasy and fears. In the endeavor towards producing reliable sustainable energy, nuclear power emerges to fill this void. England first established a large scale nuclear power station in 1956, in Cumbria (Bodansky 11). Over time, innovation in thermal reactions has enabled nuclear energy contribute 11% of world’s energy (Bodansky 11). Developing nuclear energy is necessary because it is very easy to transport and can produce a lot of energy to use. Even though there is a section of the world’s population that is paranoid about nuclear energy, there are adequate measures for protecting individuals and the ecology from nuclear reaction. Nuclear energy, which involves manipulating matter to produce, is million times as strong as chemical burning. For instance, one ton of nuclear raw material is capable of producing an amount of energy that only 2 or more million tons of fossil fuel can produce. In addition, while I kilogram of natural gas can only 6 kilowatt hours of electricity, I kilogram of natural uranium can produce 50, 000 kilowatt hours of electricity (Bodansky 39). This is a breakthrough in energy production because it helps lower the currently expensive cost of electricity. Economics explains that the cost of production highly affects the price of a product. When the cost of production relaxes, consumers enjoy lower prices. Furthermore, this eases transport as mild amounts of raw materials are transported for processing. In close relation to this idea, nuclear energy provides an effective alternative to non-renewable energy sources because it can easily serve a wide area (Moore 572). The challenge of energy production resides in the fact that the worlds should uncover a clean and efficient source of energy that serves the whole population. The whole population entail diverse needs such as the running of industries and operation of major facilities such as hospitals and research centers. Nuclear energy easily serves this purpose because a small amount of raw material is harnessed to produce insurmountable amounts of energy. This is unlike renewable sources such as wind and solar, which at the current innovation level, only serves small-scale purposes such as lighting. Wind and solar cannot be easily nurtured to serve large industries that require consistent and huge power. Besides, the ability to generate as much power as that of nuclear reactors promises the world a great industrial future since certain industries can only develop on a platform of sufficient energy. Currently, nuclear energy remains the sole proven technology that can convey electricity throughout, without interference from any weather. This means that nuclear energy, currently, is the only form of technology that can replace hydroelectricity without eliminating the benefits that hydroelectric power accords. Nuclear energy production experience considerable economies of scale. This occurs as limited amounts of raw materials are employed to produce huge amounts of energy. It is essential to note that this danger only resides at the nuclear reaction stage. The nuclear reactors simply perform the role of converting nuclear energy into electrical power. Once the energy is converted into electrical power, it promises less danger to the environment and the society. Besides, nuclear plants do not require large spaces. This is unlike a wind that has to be large to harness significant energy. All the same, these plants are established close to water bodies for purposes of cooling. In the end, there are emerging technologies for improving the functioning of nuclear plants such that the rest of resources are utilized in enhancing security. Nuclear energy is beneficial in an age of sustainable production and life. In the beginning of industrialization, individuals could not make out the distasteful impacts of factories on the environment. This is because human beings concerned themselves with efficiency and profits. As the world advanced and living conditions of individuals improved, keen observers realized that the state of the environment was never static. The advances in science unearthed the key ecological relationships that sustain living things and maintain the quality of life. In this sense, the environment would be a huge part of developmental goals. However, there was a huge problem that some common energy sources presented. Non-renewable fuels such as oil proved a great danger to the future of the world because their burning emitted carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases. These gases destroy the ozone layer thereby increasing chances of global warming. Global warming, hence, destroys the natural climate that crops, animals, and human beings enjoy for survival. This further destroys the natural ecology that creates balance for every living thing. The discovery of nuclear energy is major human milestone since it promises the same energy benefits as oil without emitting greenhouse gases. It solves the dilemma of a world that requires high amounts of energy but whose sources do not interfere with the environment (Whitford 1). In addition, nuclear energy does not pose adverse effects on water and soil. This, especially, is opportune in a world whereby emission controls have become futile. Currently, due to limited technology, emission control is difficult since production needs are continually expanding. Furthermore, nuclear plants do not emit particles that produce acid rain. Nuclear energy is one of the friendliest technologies to sustainable agriculture that require untainted environment. Adequate technologies are in place to prevent the possible danger out of nuclear plants. The world possess fears due to the supposed delicateness of nuclear plants. For instance, individuals believe that nuclear energy could be employed towards the making of atomic bombs (Rowell 577). This is worse in the contemporary case of terrorism that has become a grave problem. Fears about the nuclear wastes premise that radioactive materials present adverse health effects on the population. For instance, radioactive materials travel over long distances and may cause genetic impairment on subsequent generations. This fears are valid since the world has witnessed notable nuclear accidents that posed devastating impacts. In 1986, in Chernobyl-Ukraine, poor operation and shoddy reactor design caused a leakage of radio-active elements into the air (WNA 1). In turn, 2 people died instantly and other 28 people died out of acute radiation poisoning. Specialists suspect increased cases of thyroid cancer in the Chernobyl environs is due to the radiation effects. In the most recent case, in Fukushima Japan, a tsunami disabled the power supply and affected the cooling of the nuclear plants (WNA 1). In the accident, more than 30 workers attained exposure to dangerous radiation levels. Some 70 sailors who helped in the rescue efforts were later reported ill, as some developed cases of cancer. However, there are given technologies that are essential in blocking such negative effects upon the population. To begin with, plants are usually established away from residential areas. In this sense, in case of leakage, it minimizes the chances of radioactive materials affecting nearby communities. Besides, it accords nuclear engineers adequate time to respond and solve cases of leakage before radioactive materials actively spread. For instance, there are reliable cooling systems that ensure nuclear plants do not become excessively heated (Bereznai 9). In addition, the nuclear plants possess an engineering system that neutralizes isotopes. Engineers have uncovered technologies of recycling nuclear wastes such that they do not stay in the open environment. In essence, nuclear energy has numerous benefits that revolve around the ease of transport, efficiency and large economies of scale. Small amounts of raw materials are capable of producing huge amounts of electrical energy. This eases transport and promises a great industrial future. Low cost of energy corresponds with limited interference with the atmosphere. In addition, nuclear energy provides the most effective clean energy because individuals can harness the same in large scale. Besides, in spite of fears, there are adequate mechanisms of constraining the danger out of nuclear plants. Politics of propaganda may prevent the world populace from appreciating the benefits of nuclear energy. This happens as individuals only focus on the risks of harnessing nuclear energy. On the other hand, nuclear energy can occur alongside proper security measures that ensures the world obtains the most reliable and sustainable form of energy. Works cited Bereznai, George. ‘Nuclear power plant systems and operation.’ July 2005. Web. November 11, 2014. Bodansky, David. Nuclear energy: principles, practices, and prospects. New York, NY: Springer, 2004. Print. Moore, Patrick. Going nuclear. Web. Rowell, Alexis. Ten reasons why new nuclear was a mistake-even before Fukushima. Web. Whitford, David. ‘Going nuclear.’ Fortune. July 31, 2007. Web. November 11, 2014. WNA. “World nuclear accidents: Chernobyl Accident 1986, Fukushima accident 2011.” World Nuclear Association. Web. November 11, 2014. Read More