Nuclear power has received a bum rap for many years, but recent changes in perception are opening the way for nuclear power to take a much bigger role in our energy future.
By KJ Allen
Published: 1/12/2011
Nuclear - Definition and More from the Free Merriam-Webster Dictionary
a : of or relating to the atomic nucleus <nuclear reaction> <nuclear physics> b : used in or produced by a nuclear reaction (as fission) <nuclear fuel> ...
Nuclear power has only been around for forty years, but it has already established itself as a major resource with the potential to overtake coal as the primary resource for electricity. Nuclear power has not always been as successful. First discovered in1951, there was immediate growth within the industry for twenty years - hundred of plants were developed throughout the United States. However, this growth soon halted due to a general lack of success - reasons including a lack of a uniform design, expenses due to permits and regulations, and large amount of opposition from those concerned about the risks. One of the biggest obstacles to the nuclear power industry was the spotlight on the incidents at Chernobyl and Three Mile Island, both of which scared many Americans away from nuclear energy.
Despite over twenty years of little focus on nuclear, changes in both the world’s needs and the nuclear industry have once again made nuclear power a sought after resource. The main reasons for these changes are the other sources of energy’s multitudes of shortcomings. The main problems with other sources are the cost, the environmental impact, and availability. Natural gas resources are becoming limited and increasingly expensive, while coal is a major pollutant - largely responsible for sulfur dioxide and nitrous oxide emissions.
The problems that affect the two other biggest sources of energy are not found within nuclear power production. Nuclear energy is relatively inexpensive compared to any of the other sources of energy; the only cost is the cost of setting up the plants. Because nuclear plants can be used and maintained indefinitely, the initial costs are quickly minimized and the plant becomes profitable. Additionally, nuclear energy is also relatively unlimited, as long as nuclear plants can be set up - energy can be created.
The final major upside to nuclear power is the total lack of pollution. While coal is a major pollutant, and leads to acid rain and increases greenhouse gases, producing nuclear energy releases absolutely no pollutants.
Because of all the benefits associated with nuclear power, it has been reintroduced as a major potential source for energy, particularly within the electricity sector. China and India have both already strongly increased their focus on nuclear energy, and many countries, including the United States, are beginning to follow. While coal currently dominates electricity within the United States, but with its numerous flaws - nuclear energy is poised to start increasing its role within the sector. To increase nuclear’s role within the United States, The Obama administration’s recent 8.3 billion dollar loan to aid the construction of nuclear plants, and more loans are expected to be received soon.
Despite over twenty years of little focus on nuclear, changes in both the world’s needs and the nuclear industry have once again made nuclear power a sought after resource. The main reasons for these changes are the other sources of energy’s multitudes of shortcomings. The main problems with other sources are the cost, the environmental impact, and availability. Natural gas resources are becoming limited and increasingly expensive, while coal is a major pollutant - largely responsible for sulfur dioxide and nitrous oxide emissions.
The problems that affect the two other biggest sources of energy are not found within nuclear power production. Nuclear energy is relatively inexpensive compared to any of the other sources of energy; the only cost is the cost of setting up the plants. Because nuclear plants can be used and maintained indefinitely, the initial costs are quickly minimized and the plant becomes profitable. Additionally, nuclear energy is also relatively unlimited, as long as nuclear plants can be set up - energy can be created.
The final major upside to nuclear power is the total lack of pollution. While coal is a major pollutant, and leads to acid rain and increases greenhouse gases, producing nuclear energy releases absolutely no pollutants.
Because of all the benefits associated with nuclear power, it has been reintroduced as a major potential source for energy, particularly within the electricity sector. China and India have both already strongly increased their focus on nuclear energy, and many countries, including the United States, are beginning to follow. While coal currently dominates electricity within the United States, but with its numerous flaws - nuclear energy is poised to start increasing its role within the sector. To increase nuclear’s role within the United States, The Obama administration’s recent 8.3 billion dollar loan to aid the construction of nuclear plants, and more loans are expected to be received soon.
Nuclear Power Investing
Nuclear is poised for growth and here's one uranium company ready to takeoff.
Nuclear is poised for growth and here's one uranium company ready to takeoff.
By KJ Allen
Published: 1/12/2011
Nuclear - Definition and More from the Free Merriam-Webster Dictionary
a : of or relating to the atomic nucleus <nuclear reaction> <nuclear physics> b : used in or produced by a nuclear reaction (as fission) <nuclear fuel> ...
