Pros of Nuclear Energy

•  Lower carbon dioxide (and other greenhouse gases) released into

the atmosphere in power generation.


•  Known, developed technology “ready” for market.
* Large power-

generating capacity able to meet industrial and city needs (as opposed to
low-power technologies like solar that might meet only local, residential, or
office needs but cannot generate power for heavy manufacturing).


•  Existing and future nuclear waste can be reduced through waste

recycling and reprocessing, similar to Japan and the EU (at added cost).

• Nuclear energy produces almost no carbon dioxide, and no sulfur dioxide or

nitrogen oxides whatsoever. These gases are produced in vast quantities when fossil
fuels are burned.

• One gram of uranium yields about as much energy as a ton of coal or

oil - it is the famous “factor of a million”. Nuclear waste is correspondingly about a
million times smaller than fossil fuel waste, and it is totally confined.

• Nuclear reactors provide base-load power and are available over 90% of the

time; intervals between refuelings have been extended and down time for refueling
has been reduced. In the USA, these improvements over the years have been the
equivalent of adding one reactor a year to the existing fleet. Most reactors are
designed for a life of 40 years; many are reaching that age in good condition and
extensions of 20 years have usually been granted. Also

• The cost of nuclear power is competitive and stable. The cost of nuclear

fuel is a small part of the price of a nuclear kiloWatt-hour, whereas fossil fueled
power, especially oil and gas, is at the mercy of the market.

For more information follow these links:

http://www.triplepundit.com/2009/02/nuclear-energy-pros-and-cons/

http://www.ecolo.org/documents/documents_in_english/BENEFITS-of-NUCLEAR.pdf