Pros and Cons of Nuclear Energy/Nuclear Power Plants

[~~whimsy~~]

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As far as positives go, nuclear power's biggest advantages are tied to the simple fact that it doesn't depend on fossil fuels. Coal and natural gas power plants emit carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, contributing to climate change. With nuclear power plants, CO2* emissions are minimal.

According to the Nuclear Energy Institute, the power produced by the world's nuclear plants would normally produce 2 billon metric tons of CO2 per year if they depended on fossil fuels. In fact, a properly functioning nuclear power plant actually releases less radioactivity into the atmosphere than a coal-fired power plant [source: Hvistendahl]. By not depending on fossil fuels, the cost of nuclear power also isn't affected by fluctuations in oil and gas prices.

As for negatives, nuclear fuel may not produce CO2, but it does provide its share of problems. Historically, mining and purifying uranium hasn't been a very clean process. Even transporting nuclear fuel to and from plants poses a contamination risk. And once the fuel is spent, you can't just throw it in the city dump. It's still radioactive and potentially deadly.

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The links up there I provided show a bit of information regarding nuclear power plants are interesting to read. The pros and cons of nuclear power plants. The last link I posted I find is a decent link to include as it shows a broader view of this topic.

Either way, given the nuclear energy topic popping up here and there, I figure this would make for a decent topic and seeing the pros and cons of nuclear energy and the power plants that provide it.

I am interested in seeing where nuclear power plants can go. At the same time I am kind of worried about the possible outcomes of this, especially if we hire lackluster folks to be in charge of ensuring the proper maintenance and safety of not only the plant, but the community that is around the plant.

Safety is my biggest concern. As well as having competent people all around working in it.

Allow us to discuss.