Can you list some of the pros and cons of nuclear energy?

Question

Hannah Amos · Accepted Answer

Pros: zero carbon emissions, large fuel supplies available, can produce large amounts of electricity. Cons: nuclear safety of operating reactors, huge capital costs and disposal of waste.

The nuclear energy industry is currently in a downturn phase, due mainly to the 2011 Fukushima Daiichi reactor disasters in Japan. This has put government off around the world in terms of expanding nuclear energy use. Earlier disasters including 3 Mile Island and Chernobyl also discouraged nuclear use since the 1970s. Costs to construct a new reactor can often exceed $5 billion dollars which has become too risky for private sector investors. Consequently, any government who wants to support nuclear energy always ends up providing considerable financing to such a venture. At the present time, it seems that due to high construction costs, concerns over safe operations, and disposal of waste radioactive materials that nuclear energy will stay in a slump for some time to come.

Samuel Albin · Answer

undefined **Pros:**
1. Low greenhouse gas emissions.
2. High energy density.
3. Reliable and consistent power generation.
4. Reduced dependence on fossil fuels.
5. Potential for large-scale power production.

**Cons:**
1. Radioactive waste disposal challenges.
2. Risk of nuclear accidents.
3. High initial construction costs.
4. Limited fuel supply of uranium.
5. Concerns about nuclear weapons proliferation.