Harrison Kilgore, '26
Today, 81 % of all energy produced in the U.S. is produced by non-renewable sources like coal and natural gas. These fossil fuels harm the environment and damage the atmosphere. Around 13% of the power produced is renewable. Renewable energy isn’t known for its space efficiency to power ratio. The other 6% is nuclear energy. Nuclear energy is often considered unsafe and a large producer of toxic waste, but this is a misconception with only fragments of truth. Despite misconceptions, nuclear energy is a testament to advanced safety measures and technological advancements. There have been only two major instances in human history of nuclear “meltdowns”. Although scary and harmful, these meltdowns were completely at the fault of the government, whether from corruption or bad planning. Contrary to popular belief, modern nuclear power plants follow rigorous safety protocols, minimizing the risk associated with these already rare accidents. The truth is that nuclear energy is not just a solution to the energy crisis but the solution.
Nuclear energy is by far the most well-rounded source of energy. Nuclear energy has the capacity factor for any energy source at 92%. This means nuclear energy plants are at peak efficiency 92% of the time. This efficiency output is nearly double the non-renewable options like natural gas and coal. It would take 4 coal plants to produce as much electricity in a year as nuclear power plants. It does all this while being three times more reliable than high-reliability energy sources like solar and wind. This reliability comes from the fact that it only needs to be refueled every two years. This is why the U.S. has been using nuclear power since 1990, accounting for 20% of all power produced.
One of the most underrated aspects of nuclear energy is its recycling ability. Nuclear energy is commonly considered a finite resource like fossil fuels. Still, even though its fuel comes from the ground, there are no greenhouse gas emissions, and 96% of the waste can be recycled into uranium again. As for the other 4%, only 0.2% of that waste is long-lasting. There is a very simple solution to getting rid of this waste. The government could put it in North Dakota. So, technically, nuclear energy will eventually run out in around 90 years. But until then, it gives us all the time to try to achieve nuclear fission or build better energy infrastructure for the future. Nuclear energy could well serve as a bridge between running out of fossil fuels and achieving energy independence.
In conclusion, nuclear energy emerges as a promising solution to the pressing energy and environmental challenges. Despite lingering misconceptions, modern nuclear technology boasts safety measures and efficiency, making it a reliable and sustainable option for powering our world. Its capacity factor and recycling capabilities surpass those of traditional fossil fuels, offering a pathway toward energy independence while minimizing environmental impact. With ongoing advancements, nuclear energy can serve as a vital bridge towards a cleaner, better future. It's imperative to recognize and utilize the potential of nuclear energy as a cornerstone in our need for sustainable development and a healthier planet.
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