What are the pros and cons of nuclear energy?

Nuclear energy is a proven and efficient source for the generation of electrical power. Although nuclear power can be dangerous, and there have been several very dramatic accidents in the past, these dangers are believed to be manageable.

The primary pros to nuclear power are:

• No carbon dioxide (or other greenhouse gases) released into the atmosphere in power generation; can be an important component of a climate change initiative.
  
• Low operating costs relative to many other forms of powe generationr.
  
• Mature technology with recent advances to improve safety and operating efficiency.
  
• Large power-generating capacity that can meet industrial and city needs.
  

The primary cons are:

• High construction cost and long construction druation due to complex radiation containment systems and procedures.
  
• Current generation of new nuclear plants require government loan guarantees to secure financing.
  
• Low probability but high potential risk of nuclear accidents. Extremely high cost impact of accident means that physical, environmental, or health damage liability might not be possible to be covered by utility company.
  
• High visibility target for terrorism; however, safeguards are also higher than conventional power plants.
  
• Centralized power source requiring large infrastructure as compared to decentralized sources such as solar and wind.
  
• Fuel (uranium) is a finite resource and is expensive to mine, refine, and transport.
  
• Waste remains radioactive for many thousands of years.
  
• There are no operating long-term waste storage sites in the U.S., which means that each nuclear plant must store its own waste on-site, which then increases the risk of an accident.
  

The videos summarize key pros and cons of nuclear power.

Back To
Nuclear Power

More Topics

Try an OWOE eTool!