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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

g company Nuscale the SMR combines the benefits of nuclear energy with modular capabilities in short the SM

small modular reactors supported by the Department feature extremely impressive

passive safety. - United States subcommittee on energy

The tokamak (pictured above) is an

experimental machine designed to harness
the energy of fusion-ITER

Fusion

the appropriate funding is provided scientists are sure they will unlock the key to nuclear fusion energy prod

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_reac
tors/0. Accessed 05 Oct 2016.https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/CHRG113hhrg92332/pdf/CHRG-113hhrg92332.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.