A reader from Michigan recently asked us about nuclear power, particularly safety and waste management when proposed near sensitive areas like rivers and other waterways. Let’s explore how modern nuclear technology addresses these concerns while also protecting the environment.
What is nuclear energy?
Nuclear energy stands out as the U.S.’s largest source of emissions-free power, producing nearly half of the nation’s clean electricity. According to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), just one nuclear plant helps avoid over 471 million metric tons of carbon annually, equal to taking 100 million cars off the road.
How does nuclear energy work?
Nuclear energy works by harnessing the immense power of energy that can be released from the nucleus of an atom. This energy can be produced by atomic fission, which occurs when the nuclei of atoms like uranium-235 are split, or by fusion, which occurs when nuclei fuse together. Nuclear fusion is still being researched and developed, while fission is used around the world. Fission releases a massive amount of heat, which is used to turn water into steam. That steam drives turbines to generate electricity. Unlike nuclear bombs, the reaction in a nuclear plant is carefully controlled, ensuring a steady and safe energy supply. It’s a simple yet powerful way to produce clean electricity without burning fossil fuels.
Nuclear energy not only produces massive amounts of electricity but also does so without emitting harmful pollutants or greenhouse gasses. By avoiding the burning of fossil fuels, nuclear power helps keep the air clean, reducing smog and protecting public health while providing a reliable source of energy.
How safe is nuclear energy?
Nuclear energy is safer than you might think, thanks to modern advancements and strict safety rules. At its core, a nuclear power plant works by splitting atoms in a carefully controlled way to produce energy. This process is nothing like the explosions people associate with nuclear weapons. Instead, the plant steadily releases energy to heat water and generate electricity, all while being closely monitored. Most plants today use light water reactors, which have built-in safety features like water to help keep everything cool and under control.
Events in nuclear stations at Three Mile Island and Fukushima raised safety concerns, but they also led to big safety improvements. Newer plants have multiple backup systems to handle emergencies, from natural disasters to technical issues. On top of that, highly trained workers keep a constant eye on operations, ready to act quickly if needed.
Nuclear energy is also far ahead of fossil fuels, when it comes to safety. Studies show that coal and oil result in far more air pollution and associated health risks, such as lung disease and heart conditions, due to the harmful pollutants they release. According to the University of Pennsylvania’s Kleinman Center for Energy Policy, “coal causes 820% more deaths than nuclear per terawatt-hour of electricity produced. It is estimated that in 2018, more than 8 million people worldwide died from air pollution associated with fossil-fuel use.” As an alternative to coal, nuclear power also avoids the acid rain, global warming, and groundwater pollution impacts known to come from coal. .
Nuclear waste is dangerous, however, spent nuclear fuel is a solid that can be and is managed responsibly. Nuclear waste is currently being safely stored at around 70 reactor sites across the United States, and the spent fuel can also be recycled to make new fuel and other products.
Why is nuclear power a part of the solution?
While in places like the U.S., where wind and sun are abundant and could produce most or all all of the power that the country needs, Nuclear energy is a critical piece of the clean energy puzzle globally because it’s the only carbon-free power source that has been proven at scale and can deliver reliable electricity 24/7, anywhere in the world. Nuclear can fill this gap, providing the reliability and capacity needed to sustain a low-carbon grid globally.
Today, nuclear meets around 10% of global energy demand and operates in 28 U.S. states, powering millions of homes and businesses. Building nuclear plants requires significant upfront investment, and generating nuclear power can be expensive. However, nuclear facilities produce large amounts of electricity on a relatively small land footprint, making them an efficient option for generating carbon-free energy.
Compared to coal and natural gas plants, which emit harmful pollutants, nuclear power offers a cleaner alternative while still providing consistent and reliable energy.
