Statistics released by nuclear energy institute (NEI) of 2016, shows that the three large producers of nuclear energy are, USA (805.3 Billion Kwh), France (384.0 Billion Kwh), and China (210.5 Billion Kwh) (Nuclear Energy Institute, 2018). In California, there are a total of five nuclear energy plants according to California energy commission (CEC). Since 2012, Diablo Canyon is the only power plant that is still operational (California Energy Commission, 2018). The other four power plants are no longer operational. California total energy need is second highest only to Texas according to US energy information administration (EIA).
Pros of Nuclear energy:
One of the pros of nuclear energy, cost of nuclear power is very much stable and competitive. Compared to the cost of power derived from hydrocarbons, which a lot depends on the market. When the market is good, oil prices are stable. Another pro is that nuclear power has minimal greenhouse emissions. It has been determined that the number of greenhouse gases has reduced by almost half because of the reliance on the utilization of nuclear power. Nuclear energy has the least effect on nature since it does not discharge any gasses like methane and carbon (IV) oxide, which are the primary sources of greenhouse gasses.
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Nuclear power produces very cheap electricity. The cost of buying uranium, which is used as a fuel in the nuclear reactor, is low. Although the cost of setting up nuclear power plants is relatively high, the expense of running it is relatively lower. The normal lifespan of a nuclear reactor ranges from 40-60 years, depending on how it is used and maintained. It is estimated that with the current rate of utilization of uranium, the USA has enough uranium that can last for another 70-80 years according to nuclear energy institute. When a nuclear power plant is in the mode of producing energy, it can operate without interruption for a year.
Nuclear energy is more effective than fossil fuels. The other compelling interest of utilizing nuclear energy is that it is more effective than other energy sources such as hydrocarbons. In the case of uranium, it has high energy density as compared to fossil fuels. Modern day power plants are also safer; developers of the modern nuclear have learned from the weaknesses of the past disasters, for example, the Three Mile Island, Chernobyl, and Japan.
Cons of nuclear energy:
Nuclear energy has a negative environmental impact. The process of mining and refining uranium has not been a clean process. Transporting nuclear fuel to and from plants represents a high risk of pollution hazard. A nuclear power plant creates metric tons of nuclear fuel per year that comes with a lot of nuclear waste. The greater part of this waste transmits radiation and high temperature implying that it will inevitably consume any compartment that holds it. Any leakage can result in a nuclear disaster like in the case of Chernobyl and Bhopal.
In conclusion, since the pros of establishing nuclear energy exceed the cons, it is proper to establish the nuclear energy project in South San Francisco to supplement the current energy needs. It is also essential to consider how the adverse negative effects of nuclear energy can be contained to levels that may not have adverse effects on flora and fauna on the planet.
References
California Energy Commission . (2018). Nuclear Energy in California - Energy.ca.gov . Retrieved 23 February 2018, from http://www.energy.ca.gov/nuclear/california.html
Nuclear Energy Institute . (2018). Top 10 Nuclear Generating Countries - Nei.org . Retrieved 23 February 2018, from
https://www.nei.org/Knowledge-Center/Nuclear-Statistics/US
Nuclear-Power-Plants
“ Pros and Cons of Nuclear Energy.” Conserve Energy Future , 24 Dec. 2016, www.conserve-energy-future.com/pros-and-cons-of-nuclear-energy.php.
