Debate on Nuclear Power Overview

Advocates of nuclear energy argue that nuclear power is a sustainable energy source that does not produce greenhouse gases emission. The same proponents state that nuclear power not only minimises carbon discharge, it also boosts energy supply stability by lessening reliance on foreign oil. It is to be noted that the history of operational safety of nuclear plants in technologically advanced countries is far better when compared to other forms of power plants such as coal and oil fired power stations. No radiation-related deaths ever occurred at any commercial nuclear power plant, with the exception of the Chernobyl incident. Nuclear power campaigners stress that the amount of radioactive waste coming from nuclear power plants is extremely minimal. It is also further asserted that waste by-products can be stored safely underground. Upcoming nuclear reactor designs are revealing new technologies of completely eliminating nuclear waste.

etractors however consider that nuclear power is a latently hazardous energy source. It is argued that there are issues on long-term safe storage. Another contention is the constant risks of radioactive infectivity due to either accident or terrorism. Another problem is the possibility of nuclear weapon proliferation caused by the exchange of nuclear technology information. It is also asserted that the complexity in the installation of new nuclear power plants is an indication that demands for a decisive change to an alternative energy source to slow down climate change cannot be met. Other criticisms of nuclear power plants include the ineffective centralised electric generation.