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NUCLEAR ENERGY
The Other Green Energy

It is absolutely clear that it is the duty of this generation to prepare

the knowledge base and know-how that will allow tomorrow's
decision makers to serenely consider all of the possible energy
solutions. Encyclopedia of Energy

Nuclear energy has often been overlooked as a green

energy. It has been grouped with coal and oil as a
dirty and pollution producing power source. This
perspective couldnt be farther from the truth. In
many ways nuclear energy has overcome its
shortcomings and is much more cost effective than
other green energy sources. New technology allows
this power source not only to power major urban
environments but also allows this energy source to
safely produce energy for small populations at a reduced
cost which is perfect for more economically challenged
areas or expanding populations.

SUMMARY
The decision on what energy source to use falls to government officials like you. As the
decision makers of what energy infrastructure should power our cities and towns it is
important to understand the benefits that nuclear technology can offer. The decision
must not waste the taxpayers dollar and also make this world uninhabitable in decades
to come from pollution. Compared to other energy sources nuclear energy provides the
perfect combination of long equipment life, plentiful fuel, and zero carbon pollution. New
technology advancements such as small modular reactors and nuclear fusion
technology that makes nuclear energy cleaner, safer and more cost effective than ever
before.

WHAT IS NUCLEAR ENERGY

Nuclear energy is the energy that is exerted when an atom is split by hurling a neutron at
an unstable atoms nucleus. The result is a massive amount of energy. This energy can be
contained and controlled which is how nuclear power plants generate energy by safely
managing this nuclear energy from the atom.

WHY NUCLEAR?
Why should you choose nuclear
energy as the power source for
the future of our community? The
reasons are numerous and by
Comparing nuclear energy to
other energy sources as well as
understanding new
advancements in nuclear
technologies will help provide
you with the information
necessary to make this choice.

NUCLEAR VERSUS OTHER ENERGY SOURCES

NUCLEAR ENERGYS MAIN COMPETITORS HAVE BENEFITS AND SHORTCOMINGS AS LISTED
BELOW . THESE MAY DETER YOUR CHOOSING OF THESE ENERGY SOURCES. (BASED ON
INFORMATION PROVIDED BY ENERGY COMMITTEE OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA)

BENEFITS:

SOLAR -RENEWABLE ZERO CARBON POLLUTION, CREATES NEW JOBS

WIND- RENEWABLE, ZERO CARBON POLLUTION, CREATES NEW JOBS
FOSSIL FUELS- CHEAP, PROTECTS EXISTING JOBS

NEGATIVES:

SOLAR HIGH COST, LOW EQUIPMENT LIFE EXPECTANCY, HIGH LAND COST
WIND- HIGH LAND COST, LOW ENERGY OUTPUT, CANNOT BE USED EVERYWHERE
FOSSIL FUELS- HIGH CARBON POLLUTION, MASSIVE MINING OPERATIONS, NONRENEWABLE

BENEFITS

The benefits of nuclear are plentiful. As a government official you must be up to date on
these benefits to make the right choice for our communities here they are listed for you,
-Pollution, with current fission technology it is true that nuclear waste is generated but
thanks to scientists from France it can now be recycled and reused (Bellistri, Green
Energy and Debates). This gives nuclear energy a key advantage over fossil fuels
which produce both waste, and harmful carbon pollution. Nuclear energy produces 19%
of Americas total energy output, but it also produces 60% of its zero emission energy.
For hot topics such as global warming it is scientifically proven that a complete switch to
nuclear energy would reduce carbon pollution generated by energy production to zero.
-Cost, Nuclear plants typically have a high startup cost but they quickly counteract this.
A typically nuclear plant has a run life of at least 60 years which is the life of a nuclear
plant license renewal (Department of Energy) This long runtime has a great benefit over
other types of energy production such as solar. Solar panels typically have a life of
around 20 years which means they need to be completely replaced 3 times as much
where nuclear plants only need to be updated and have the license renewed.
-Economy, according to Green Issues and debates it is estimated that for every $1.00
spent on nuclear energy $1.13 is generated in the economy. Every nuclear plant being
constructed creates 1,800 jobs. This is great for local economies and helps argue that
nuclear is an energy source as well as an investment.

NEW TECHNOLOGIES AND THEIR BENEFITS

SMR
Small Modular Reactor- The small
modular reactor is a new type of
nuclear reactor that combines low
startup cost with the ability to
grow with the population with
increased safety. Developed by
the engineering company Nuscale
the SMR combines the benefits of
nuclear energy with modular
capabilities in short the SMR
starts off as a small reactor. If
needed more reactors can be
added onto the existing structure.
This drastically cuts down
construction costs.

small modular reactors supported by the Department

feature extremely impressive passive safety. - United
States subcommittee on energy

FUSION

The tokamak (pictured above) is an

experimental machine designed to harness
the energy of fusion-ITER

Nuclear fusion is another type of

nuclear energy production
method. It is most commonly
found amongst stars in our
universe. Our own sun is a
nuclear fusion reaction. If the
appropriate funding is provided
scientists are sure they will
unlock the key to nuclear fusion
energy production which will
usher in an era where we will
never worry about energy. The
most successful fusion reactor
prototype is the tomahawk reactor
(ITER.ORG)

CONCLUSION

Overall the argument for Nuclear energy is a strong one. Its benefits consist of being
cleaner, cheaper, and more dynamic than other energy sources. The cost is sure to please
those paying for use of the energy as well as the company that is providing the energy. It
will not pollute the earth and it fuel source will not run out for billions of years to come.
Why waste billions of your voters dollars on energy systems that will not provide what is
needed for the future, when the answer is so simple? Nuclear fission now and then nuclear
fusion later. With this outlook and the proper preparation, we can build a green future for
our species and all the species we share our planet with.

PHOTO: European Master in Nuclear Energy

Works Cited:
Bellestri, and Tani E. Bellestri. "Nuclear Power (Energy)." Green Issues and Debates:
An A-to-z Guide, Howard Schiffman, Sage Publications, 2011. Credo Reference,
https://login.liblink.uncw.edu/login?url=http://search.credoreference.com/content/
entry/greenid/nuclear_power_energy/0. Accessed 05 Oct 2016.
Borrelli, G. Socio-Economic Research on Fusion (SERF): Summary of EU Research 19972000. 2001.
"ITER: The World's Largest Tokamak." ITER: worlds Largest TOKAMAK. N.p., n.d. Web.
05 Oct. 2016.
MAGAUD, PHILIPPE, et al. "Nuclear Fusion Reactors." Encyclopedia of Energy, Cutler J.
Cleveland, Elsevier Science & Technology, 2004.Credo Reference,
https://login.liblink.uncw.edu/login?url=http://search.credoreference.com/content/
entry/estenergy/nuclear_fusion_reactors/0. Accessed 05 Oct
2016.https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/CHRG-113hhrg92332/pdf/CHRG113hhrg92332.pdf
"MSc EMINE European Master in Nuclear Energy." : KIC InnoEnergy. N.p., n.d. Web.
05 Oct. 2016.
"Nuclear Fission: Basics." Atomicarchive.com: Exploring the History, Science, and
Consequences of the Atomic Bomb. NSDL, n.d. Web. 05 Oct. 2016.
"Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)." Department of Energy. N.p., n.d. Web. 05 Oct. 2016.