Nuclear Energy Vs. Renewable Energy - 1102 Words

Since the discovery of nuclear energy, it has remained the most powerful energy source to this day. Despite its superiority in energy efficiency and safety to the environment, fossil fuels are the dominant source of energy in the United States. This paper will analyze developments nuclear energy has made, the factors that contribute to its superiority over other energy sources, and controversies that have inhibited its growth in usage in the United States. In addition, it will compare nuclear energy to fossil fuels and other renewable and nonrenewable energy sources and express the reasons that contribute to its advantages. Lastly, it will examine the different types of nuclear energy and their advantages and disadvantages. The thesis is: â€Å"To resolve the problems posed by fossil fuel energy, America should recommit to energy provided by nuclear fission as its main energy source due to its cleanliness and efficiency.† There are two methods to generating nuclear power. The first and only method currently attainable is nuclear fission. Nuclear fission is a process in which the nucleus of a Uranium-235 isotope absorbs neutrons and thus splits into smaller fragments, including approximately 2.5 nuclei, which spur a self-sustaining chain reaction and continue the process in other nuclei, alongside a massive release of energy (Funk Wagnalls New World Encyclopedia). In the most common type of nuclear reactor, Light Water Reactors, (LWR), the uranium oxide gas heats up water,Show MoreRelatedNuclear Fusion And Nuclear Energy Essay1638 Words   |  7 PagesIntroduction:  ¬Nuclear energy is energy in the nucleus (core) of an atom. Atoms are tiny particles that make up every object in the universe. There is enormous energy in the bonds that hold atoms together. Nuclear energy can be used to make electricity. But first the energy must be released. It can be released from atoms in two ways: nuclear fusion and nuclear fission. In nuclear fusion, energy is released when atoms are combined or fused together to form a larger atom. This is how the sun producesRead MoreNuclear Power And Nuclear Energy1323 Words   |  6 Pagesever increasing population, [energy demand, and the need for alternative resources continues to increase.] Nuclear energy comes up as a strong contender by being clean, sustainable, and more consistent moreover than others in the renewables category. Even though those in the energy industry argue that the use of nuclear plants provides a stable source of power in a clean and renewable matter, in areas where other resources are availab le, the potential threat of nuclear meltdowns outweigh the positiveRead MoreEssay On The World In 20501215 Words   |  5 PagesThe World in 2050: Energy Climate Change Overview: Successfully reducing the effects of climate change to meet the goal set by the Paris Agreement, to keep warming well below +2ËšC (relative to pre-industrial temperatures), requires implementing policies that allow people the autonomy to be creative, enjoy life, and do what they desire to do, while at the same time, limiting the amount of global warming (â€Å"Energy,† 2017). The issue: Implementing policies that will successfully meet the goal setRead MoreIs Nuclear Power Worth the Risk? Essay1099 Words   |  5 Pagesof Using Nuclear Energy In the following, the benefits and drawbacks of generating electricity with the use of nuclear energy will be discussed. Advantages Large amount of energy production Nuclear power produces huge amount of energy through nuclear fission. 1 ton of uranium fuel, which is used as a fuel in generating electricity, equals to 50,000 tons of fossil fuels for generating the same amount of electricity. Since a small amount of nuclear fuel can produce a large amount of energy, it is powerfulRead MoreSwitzerland Is Best Known For Their Cheese, Chocolate And Watches1126 Words   |  5 Pagesand watches. However, their Swiss Energy Program should be added to that list and taken into consideration and emulated by other countries, like the United States. Similar to the Kyoto Protocol, the Swiss Energy Program introduced a CO2 Act, which planned to reduce their carbon emissions by ten percent by the year 2010. They were slightly successful, however compared to the United States, their carbon emissions are unsubstantial. Switzerland also implemented a Nuclear Phase-out plan which would completelyRead MoreNuclear Power Is The Most Viable Replacement For Fossil Fuel 1590 Words   |  7 PagesHallerbach Mr. Munson 5* Honors English 7 March 2016 Nuclear Power is the most Viable Replacement for Fossil Fuel The use of fossil fuels as a primary source of power is poisoning our world, and nuclear power is just the way to stop this. Nuclear power is using the process of nuclear fission to create electricity. Nuclear fission is the splitting of a uranium atom to release massive amounts of energy. When this process takes place in a nuclear reactor, the energy is used to superheat water which is pumpedRead MoreRenewable Forms of Energy: Wind Energy Essay1320 Words   |  6 PagesRenewable forms of energy are becoming more and more necessary for a sustainable future. Wind energy is a form of energy that is becoming more and more popular, and it offers a way for people to harness energy from something natural to create electricity. Wind energy in addition to other sustainable forms of creating energy are going to start taking the place of fossil fuels as people realize the true benefits of using them. There are many benefits of using wind energy in comparison to using fossilRead MoreAn Open System Of Energy1469 Words   |  6 Pagesto modern innovations such as globalism, radio, computers, the internet et cetera, most countries across the world have faced a dramatic increase in consumption. As these countries experience, exponential population growth, the enormous demand for Energy consumption, and unprecedented global economic growth, the increase requires that most modern countries face hardly surprising. However, these requirements lead to most countries facing the issue of sustainability. In the 1987 Bruntland report, researchersRead MoreEnergy And Climate Research Seminar1352 Words   |  6 PagesThe Electric Power Research Institute hosted the 20th Energy and Climate Research Seminar on Wednesday, May 10, 2017, in Washington, D.C with 75 attendees from utility companies, government, and academia. The seminar provided an opportunity for decision makers and stakeholders interested in the latest energy and environment research to discuss key issues and policy drivers as well as their implications for the utility industry. History of Seminar Session 1 The seminar was divided into three sessionsRead MoreNuclear Energy : Nuclear Power1251 Words   |  6 Pages What is Nuclear Power? Nuclear power uses nuclear fission to release nuclear energy which creates heat that can then be used in nuclear power stations to provide electricity. In nuclear fission, the nucleus splits apart generating large amounts of energy. Nuclear fusion is also an excellent energy source because it produces no greenhouse gases or combustion products which are not radioactive. The drawback is that it takes too much energy so we are sticking to nuclear fission. Nuclear power a controversial