Challenge Of Nuclear Power Generation

The Challenge of Nuclear Energy Generation
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The Challenge of Nuclear Power Generation
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There has been a surge in demand for global energy with more energy used in the industrialized world. Even in developing countries, millions of people are working to pull themselves out of poverty while the world population continues to rise. For this reason, the debate on efficient energy use going into the future has been on the rise. Most countries have turned their focus and attention to the generation of nuclear energy as the solution to a future of reduced carbon emissions. While most people have argued that nuclear energy is the future, Pearce (2012) noted that there are many sustainability issues when it comes to nuclear energy generation. The author noted that there is a common misperception about nuclear energy not producing carbon dioxide. However, nuclear energy generation contributes to a lot of greenhouse gas emissions, a factor that has led many experts to encourage lowering the use of nuclear energy as a way of lowering climate destabilization (Pearce, 2012).
Horvath & Rachlew (2016) also noted that there is a need to address the sustainability of nuclear energy. The authors encouraged to use fast neutron reactors (FNRs) and natural resources are given their ability to multiply energy generation by a factor of 50. While nuclear energy has been touted as the energy for the future, Pearce (2012) noted that there are many externalities associated with it. The author identified externalities that future generations pause and environmental externalities. Nuclear power generation depends on the uranium-rich ore that is mined deep underground and on the surface. The mining, processing, and enrichment of uranium have the potential to leave significant damages to the waterways and the ecosystem. Running nuclear reactors in order to generate the required energy requires much water. Therefore, most nuclear power plants are located near water bodies. A large amount of water is often needed to absorb excess heat and cool down the reactors (Kyne & Bolin, 2016). Pearce (2012) argued that the most serious externality when it comes to the generation of nuclear energy is nuclear insecurity. There is a real and finite danger that is caused by nuclear power plants. The perception of nuclear energy globally is also that it is much associated with danger.
Further issues were noted by Kyne & Bolin (2016) who argued that there are serious location and proximity issues when it comes to the location of nuclear reactors. Governments try to protect their people from exposure to the radioactive plume. Most people living around urban areas run the risk of being exposed to radioactive substances. Those living around nuclear power plants find it difficult to avoid the health risks that might result from exposure to the radioactive effluents that are emitted from the plants (Kyne & Bolin, 2016). There is no level of ration that is considered safe. Therefore, even a little exposure is too risky. The damages incurred can be irreversible, and the victims can suffer premature deaths. For most the areas where the power plants are located, there is a need for emergency prepa...