The Fear and the Need for Nuclear Power - 1789 Words

ï  µ Introduction Despite the fear of nuclear disasters and proliferation of nuclear weapons, the 435 nuclear power reactors around the world produce approximately 16 percent of the world’s electricity and 19 percent of electricity in the United States (WIT, 2013). In a world increasingly affected by global warming, with increasing energy consumption, it is important to acknowledge that nuclear power is a safe, clean, reliable, and sustainable source of energy, unlike our presumptions. This paper analyzes potential risks and benefits of nuclear power as a fuel source and why the United States should continue nuclear power production. ï  µ How Nuclear Power Works Natural uranium undergoes the steps of mining and milling, conversion, enrichment, and fabrication to convert it from ore to fuel pellets. Uranium isotopes are enriched, separating the fissionable uranium from the unfissionable, and a fuel fabricator presses it into fuel rods (WIT, 2013). The atoms in uranium fuel are split apart to release heat energy, which makes steam and drives a turbine to produce electricity. Used nuclear fuel is stored in a deep pool of water afterward (WIT, 2013). Ther two types of commercial nuclear power plants are boiling water reactors and pressurized water reactors. Out of the 100 reactors in the United States, 65 are pressurized water reactors and 35 are boiling water reactors (IEA). Boiling water reactors heat the water in the reactor vessel directly into steam while pressurized waterShow MoreRelatedTime to Reduce Nuclear Dangers by Garwin and Gronlund 877 Words   |  4 Pagesdeployed and non deployed nuclear warheads between the five nuclear weapon states. The argument of whether or not nuclear weapons should be reduced in the United States is starting to arise. Nuclear weapons have the power to kill millions of people and lots of land. This is an issue that can’t be ignored. 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