Nuclear Energy Debate

Nuclear energy is a way of harnessing power, generated by the isotope Uranium-235 and produced in a process called nuclear fission. By creating energy with nuclear fission, we are able to produce electricity with less greenhouse gas emissions. Compared to fossil fuels, nuclear energy is cleaner and could help conserve the state of our environment.
Greenhouse gases are also warming up the world (global warming) which is causing climate change and leading to many more problems.

Nuclear energy should also become a primary source of energy in Canada because of its cost efficiency. Over the past 65 years, we have spent 11.5 million dollars on nuclear reactors and energy plants, however we have profited by 11 times that amount. That profit comes from producing the power, benefits from research outcomes, exporting the energy to countries who do not have uranium mines, and so much more. Nuclear power is one of the most economic forms of energy we have yet, with a 91% efficiency rate. Unlike other means of energy that lose a significant amount when made, we can harvest most of the nuclear energy with virtually no emissions. The cost of making nuclear power is only 20% of the overall profit as well. The Unites States has saved 12 billion dollars each year by using nuclear energy thus far. The money that is saved could be dispensed into ways to dispose of the nuclear waste. At this moment, we have enough uranium to run the generators 80 more years. It is a good solution compared to other energy sources, such as coal, which becomes fossil fuel and takes millions of years to replenish.

Another advantage to nuclear power is that it is reliable in the sense that it isn’t dependant on weather conditions like sources such as hydro, solar and wind. Hydro power relies on the amount of water that is available (possible drought) and the location (inland provinces such as Alberta and Saskatchewan will not profit much from hydro power). Solar power completely depends on whether the sun is shining or not. Some locations may be better than others but overall, that and cloud coverage are both things that are out of our control. Power produced from wind only happens when there are winds available, and according to the Center for Biological Diversity, as many as 1,300 eagles, falcons, hawks and other predatory species are killed each year by the rapid spinning blades of wind turbines. Nuclear power isn’t dependant on any of these factors.

There are concerns about the nuclear waste that comes with the beneficial energy, such as how there isn’t a viable place to store the radioactive material. However, there are many probable solutions. Humanity is constantly evolving and learning, and in the past decade, humans have already advanced at an outstanding rate. There is a good chance that finding a way to de-radiate the waste will happen. As for now, using the uranium and investing in looking for a location for the waste while searching for a permanent solution may be one of our best temporary solutions. Another plausible fix is dedicating land (10% of the Earth is still uninhabited) to store waste until it is free of harmful radiation. There is also the thought of sending the waste to space, as the vacuum may be enough to contain the radioactivity.

Generally, it is agreed upon that nuclear energy has a major role to play in years to come. There just has to be actions taken to address concerns, in order to be freely able to explore its full potential.