What is Nuclear Energy?
nuclear energy facts
Nuclear Energy Definition. Nuclear energy can be defined as the energy which is produced as a result of atomic energy where nuclear reaction of fission or fusion takes place. Nowadays the world uses about 16% of nuclear energy. To harness energy, radioactivity of the atoms is utilized to create nuclear power. Researchers believe that the nuclear energy is the solution for world’s biggest problem of global warming.
Like other energy source, nuclear energy also has advantages. The energy which is released when the splitting of atoms almost 10 million times greater than energy when an atom of fossil fuel is burned. Compared to coal plants or any other power generating industries, amount of carbon dioxide that is produced is very less.
The disadvantage of nuclear energy is in building up of the power plant and concern over the waste disposal and decomposing it though it is much less than the other power generators. Nuclear energy compact fuel is also easy to transport. Uranium as the prime element of nuclear energy is not expensive and available in plenty from open cut mines.
Another disadvantage of this energy is nuclear radiation accidents that are fatal or bring irreversible changes in mankind in generations too. And it require high initial capital cost and it is not possible for long time storage of nuclear waste.
The Green Solution
Currently, about 20% of electrical power in U.S. produces from nuclear power. The benefits are; that there are no visual pollution, no greenhouse emissions into the atmosphere, quiet, it is cost relatively cost effective, and we have sufficient supply of uranium here at home for the foreseeable future to supply for a major portion of our energy needs.
In super strong glass beads, the spent fuel is encapsulated, which in turn are embedded into hardened concrete inside steel drums. This method makes the waste product of this energy “transportable” and is designed to withstand the elements for 10,000 years. However, even in it’s tomb it is still relativity radioactive material. These steel drums are stored in water as radiation cannot penetrate more than about 1 meter of water.
