by Ian Yates

Created on: July 02, 2010   Last Updated: July 03, 2010

It is generally agreed that the global production of greenhouse gases, and in particular, carbon dioxide (CO2 ) needs to be reduced.  One of the major contributors to CO2 production is the burning of fossil fuels, such as coal and natural gas, to generate electricity.  As well as emitting huge amounts of pollutants, these fossil fuelled electricity plants are also hugely inefficient with figures of around 36% efficiency for coal. 

One way of reducing global emissions could be by making a major shift of electricity production from fossil fuels to nuclear powered electricity plants.  Due to the nuclear power plants operation process using nuclear fission, they do not produce CO2 in any substantial quantities and so could be a way forward in combating global warming and climate change.  One estimate of the difference between the three sources of power gives 8.6 tonnes of CO2 per GWh for nuclear power compared to 1058 tonnes for coal fired plants and 824 tonnes for combined-cycle gas turbine plants (Meridian, 1989).  

However, there are three major obstacles for the take up of nuclear powered electricity stations globally and these are namely safety concerns, waste management and economic viability. 

Safety Concerns of Nuclear Power Electricity Generation

Even though the chances of nuclear accidents are low, the impact of incidents upon the general public such as Chernobyl (Ukraine) in 1986 and Three Mile Island (USA) in 1979, will always be at the forefront of any discussion about nuclear power.  The most severe incident, Chernobyl, led to worldwide concern about the safety of nuclear reactors as a radioactive plume was dispersed from the site across the northern hemisphere from North West Europe to North America and beyond. The deaths on site during the incident and subsequent deaths and serious illness in the region around the Chernobyl area have raised serious concerns about the safety of the nuclear industry from all corners of the globe that are investigating the possibility of nuclear power plants. 

Other safety concerns are raised about the routine operational emissions from nuclear plants.  Even though the industry is very highly regulated and closely monitored, it is still a concern for many that live near nuclear power plants that their exposure to this man-made radiation is above that of natural background radiation levels and should be stopped. 

Waste Management of Nuclear Material

Dangerous

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