Nuclear Power – The Cons in the Debate (original) (raw)
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Different Energy options have been the driving force for the world economy with an evolution in types and sources. Decades ago choosing what energy option to use did not call for much debate as issues of sustainability, pressure on our environment, and our climate were not a major concern. However today, humans have to grapple with these current global challenges especially those exacerbated by our current sources of energy. The review article argues that science and sustainability thinking should be the basis for making the choice about what energy option is suitable for our era. It proposes that a more fruitful discourse should follow from a dialogue that puts in place the set of sustainability indicators and evaluating the suitability of the options for our era in that context. Focusing on two energy options; conventional and nuclear energy; the review compares them based on a set of sustainability indicators including, but not limited to, the environment, economics, ethics, expertise requirements, technical information, health, safety, uncertainty and government funding. In trying to answer the question Unsustainable conventional energy sources, is nuclear energy similar?, the review concludes that despite the demerits of nuclear energy, it is the solution to meet the world’s growing energy needs and to reverse the impending threat posed by climate change if research and development efforts in the sector are accelerated.
A Renaissance in Nuclear Power
This paper presents an analysis of the worldwide evolution of the fleet of nuclear power plants until the 1980s; the reasons why in the same era this contingent was rejected in various developed countries due to a complete lack of public acceptance, being condemned to a phaseout planned to eliminate more than half of the operating power plants by 2020; and finally, what are the reasons for this competent base load power source to silently resist for more than a quarter of a century, having been the focus of studies and improvements in the most renowned research centers in the world and the most traditional universities of the developed countries, resurging as one of the main allies of worldwide sustainable development, even with all the difficulties of deployment, ecological risks, and nuclear proliferation. However, after more than 30 years of intense debates involving a wide variety of interrelated problems, scientists have collected irrefutable proof that the actions of humankind have caused climate changes that represent an imminent threat to the survival of the human species on Earth, requiring coordinated international action that seeks to determine the economic aspects of the stabilization of levels of GHGs (greenhouse gases) in the atmosphere. The transition to a worldwide low-carbon economy presents political challenges, where, the most complex political question, is the supply of energy which would depends on a change in the supply of energy from fossil fuels to renewable, hydro and nuclear. Undoubtedly the nuclear power plants are, by far, the most controversial.
Economic & Political Weekly, 2013
The environmental movement, as it increasingly grapples with the ecological impossibilities posed by the commitment to open-ended economic growth, needs to move beyond its general silence in matters of realpolitik and engage more concretely in that sphere. The ongoing contests in India over the future of nuclear power - seen in Jaitapur and Koodankulam - are part of a fight over two broad visions of the future.
The history of nuclear energy is a centuries-old story. It starts from the ancient Greek philosophers who first developed the idea that all matters are composed of invisible particles called atoms and continues until now. The significant demarcation for the usage of nuclear energy is World War II. In the years just before and during World War II, nuclear research focused mainly on the development of defense weapons. Later, scientists concentrated on peaceful applications of nuclear technology. An important use of nuclear energy is the generation of electricity. After years of research, scientists have successfully applied nuclear technology to many other scientific, medical, and industrial purposes.
Acta commercii, 2016
This article evaluates a possible global nuclear renaissance in the provision of electrical energy. Problem investigated: Several countries, such as South Africa, are experiencing problems in the provision of electricity and the maintenance of the infrastructure to answer growing demand. This article investigates an alternative, which was popular in the 1970s and provides clean energy. Methodology: The study firstly evaluates the main arguments set by anti-nuclear activists critically. It concerns negative public sentiment, human life and environmental endangerment, alternative energy, cost effectiveness and waste disposal concerns. The study focuses on the cost of nuclear power, as the benefits of electricity are assumed homogeneous. The second part of the article reports on an empirical cost-benefit analysis conducted by the authors to estimate the value and likeliness of a nuclear renaissance. Findings and implications: The empirical analysis indicated that nuclear energy is mostly cost-efficient. The research shows that there might be a slight increase in the use of nuclear power-producing technologies in future. Originality and value of the research: This study makes a positive contribution to the electrical power and nuclear energy debate. It assesses the possibility of a nuclear renaissance objectively. The environment, global energy shortage and different cost structures of various modes of energy production were considered. Conclusion: The study concluded that a nuclear renaissance is possible, but that despite the advantages to costs and the environment, this would not yet be statistically significant enough to cause a nuclear renaissance.
Nuclear energy is more useful than any other energy in the world
The government has taken the quick rental option to improve the power situation. Even though it added about 2000 MW of electricity to the grid, the total production capacity has increased rather little, given that the age-old power plants are delivering much less than the rated capacity. Thus is one of the scenarios of power crisis in Bangladesh. The power of electricity is the key to the economic stability of a country, not only for Bangladesh, but for all. In this situation, sustainable energy source has become a burning issue which raises only one question: what is the solution? The answer may vary from man to man but it can be definitely said that most experts suggest one solution as the best- ‘Nuclear Energy’. Nuclear powered energy stations are the heart of almost every developed country. Although there are some controversies like safety measures, environmental issues and expensive building costs, the power produces by nuclear plants and the way it’s contributing towards development of mankind, this energy has become a useful energy source for the world............
Nuclear Energy -Paradigm Shift for Sustainable Development
Energy is neither created nor destroyed but can be transformed from one form to another form. Keeping this concept of law of energy in consideration, scientists are always trying to transform the one form of energy into another efficient form of energy which can be beneficial for the whole world. Today world's main source of energy comes from petroleum, coal, natural gas, hydroelectric power etc. Due to liberalization, privatization and globalization (LPG), whole world is trying to put their efforts to make use of nuclear energy for constructive purpose. Very few countries use the nuclear energy as a source of energy like electricity production. Therefore it is the time for the developed as well as developing countries to enhance their energy production through nuclear power and distribute into the underdeveloped countries. This paper will highlight the growth and development through the nuclear power as a constructive part.
Nuclear power: Looking back, looking forward
2013
Last year marked the 20th anniversary of the fi rst edition of the World Nuclear Industry Status Report (WNISR). For two decades the reports have punctured the lies of the nuclear industry. Mycle Schneider and Antony Froggatt wrote the 2012 edition and both contributed to the 1992 edition − congratulations Mycle and Antony! The predictions made in WNISR-1992 stack up well. After a 20-year period of signifi cant growth, the report correctly predicted that nuclear expansion would "slow to a trickle". From 1992 to 2012, worldwide nuclear power capacity increased from 326 gigawatts (GW) to 374 GW − a 15% increase in 20 years. The nuclear industry is fi nally catching up with Mycle and Antony. The International Atomic Energy Agency's 'low' estimates have become a more reliable guide over the years, and the Agency's current 'low' estimate of 456 GW capacity in 2030 suggests very slow annual growth of around 1.5% (IAEA, 2012).