In today's world production of electricity can take various forms. From Nuclear, Fossil Fuels, Hydroelectric, Wind and Geothermal power the first three stand out, being commonly used in most countries.
All of these energy sources work on the same principle, rotation:
When magnets are moved near a wire, an electric current is generated in that wire.Afterwards, it is transported across long distance, hi-voltage transmission lines to numerous substations that convert it to lower voltage power for ultimate delivery to buildings (or other places where it is needed).
Some of these electricity production methods affect the environment negatively in great terms, and so people want them to be replaced by other, cleaner, methods. The most popular ones are Wind and Geothermal.
Production of electricity by using fossil fuels greatly pollutes the atmosphere, and is one of the oldest technologies of this kind. Nuclear Power is greatly supported by some, and dismissed by others. The reason for this is that the waste products of such a facility are buried in containers deep under the soil. Most people think this is effective but some oppose this method by saying it is not entirely safe.
Table 1. Busbar Costs
Electricity costs (in mills* Costs per kilowatt hour)
Category Nuclear Coal Oil
Capital costs 18.7 15.2 10.5
Fuel cost 5.8 13.7 25.7
Operation & maintenance costs 2.8 3.3 2.2
TOTAL 27.3 32.2 38.4
* A mill is 1/10 of a cent ($0.001).
Economically, Nuclear Power is cheaper than energy produced by means of Coal or Oil. It is also considered more efficient than Wind Energy or Geothermal Energy, as it is also cheaper, and requires less space to be constructed. For example a very large number of Wind Turbines would be required to equal the energy produced by a Nuclear Power Facility.
Other factors in choosing the best supply of energy could be: political, cultural and ethnical.
As my research has not shown any interference of the production electricity and ethnicity I will not approach this matter.
As there are currently 442 Nuclear Power Plants, and 24 under construction, it is obvious they at least for companies, they represent one of the best solutions.
Politically, in the entire world, there are differences. Some countries are not allowed by other more powerful countries, or organizations, to build such nuclear power plants, as their waste material can be used to create nuclear bombs. In other situations, politicians are corrupt, and therefore only accept what is best to them. Also, in poorer countries which cannot afford Nuclear Power Plants, fossil fuel facilities are being used widely, which damage the environment.
As my research has not shown any cultural interference, I only not tackle this problem either.
We have one world, and we need to come up with the best solutions so that we can keep it safe, and clean. Technology creates easier lives, but in allot of case, damages the environment. Nowadays, technological improvements are being made as to create cleaner technologies. Hopefully, this will make Terra a better world in the near future.
Learn more about this author, Andrew Bucur.
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