Question

What are the advantages of nuclear energy?

State two advantages of nuclear energy.

Answer 1

1. A large amount of energy is produced per unit mass.
2. It does not produce smoke. It is clean energy.
3. The fission of one atom of uranium produces 10 million times the energy released by burning one atom of carbon.
4. The fusion of four hydrogen atoms produces a huge amount of energy, approximately equal to 27 MeV.

Answer 2

1. Low greenhouse gas emissions: The production of nuclear energy does not involve the emission of poisonous or toxic gases in any way, meaning no air pollution. The generation of electricity through nuclear energy reduces the amount of energy generated from fossil fuels (coal and oil). Less use of fossil fuels means lowering greenhouse gas emissions (CO₂ and others).
2. Low requirement: Less fuel offers more energy. It represents a significant savings on raw materials but also in transport, handling, and extraction of nuclear fuel. The cost of nuclear fuel (overall uranium) is 20% of the cost of energy generated. To generate the same quantity of energy in a coal-driven power station, 16,000 tons of coal per day are needed; of this, 6,000 tons become waste products.
3. Low cost: The cost of generating electricity is lower compared to the cost of generating electrical energy from fossil fuels.
4. Continuous production: The production of electric energy is continuous. A nuclear power plant is generating electricity for almost 90% of annual time.
5. Independent of natural factors: Nuclear power does not depend on natural aspects like solar energy or wind energy because the hours of sun or wind do not always coincide with the hours with more energy demand.
6. Alternative to fossil fuels: It's an alternative to fossil fuels, so the consumption of fuels such as coal or oil is reduced. This reduction of coal and oil consumption benefits the situation of global warming and global climate change.
7. Improves quality of life: By reducing the consumption of fossil fuels, the quality of the air is improved, reducing diseases and improving the quality of life.