Why Nuclear Deserves a Seat at the Table in Our Energy Future
Many people think of past nuclear disasters and automatically rule out this energy source for society’s future. But that’s a short-sighted viewpoint. Here’s a closer look at why we should seriously consider nuclear as a significant part of our energy plans.
Nuclear Power Supports Energy Security
Recent events have caused many people around the world to think more critically about where their energy comes from and how reliable those sources are. Research indicates that nuclear power was instrumental in helping countries recover from difficulties sustained in 2021. The data confirmed that Asia had the biggest increase in its utilization, showing a 10% rise during the studied period.
The statistics also showed a 1% drop in total global capacity for nuclear energy, although there was a 4% increase in production. Other findings were that nuclear energy reactors accounted for about 10% of the total global energy creation. Eastern Europe’s output was the highest in a decade, while the Middle East and South Asia had the biggest increases registered, each showing a 20% jump over the 2020 figures.
People in today’s world need assurances that they can get consistent access to energy when needed. Nuclear power can help provide it, and as this study shows, people in more places around the world realize that.
Nuclear Energy Supports a Sustainable Future
Many organizations steadfastly support the world’s ongoing transition to a more sustainable energy future. Consider that electric cooperatives comprise more than a third of the energy sector. Many of them either generate or procure renewable energy. Nuclear energy is not renewable because it needs finite resources.
Even so, it’s the world’s second-largest source of low-carbon electricity, with only hydropower accounting for more. Some people assert that nuclear power is an excellent backup source for countries already relying on wind and solar.
Researchers led a study that examined the feasibility of 42 nations in that position. They believed nuclear energy could be a low-cost power source and a natural gas replacement. The results showed that nuclear energy was the lowest-priced way to eliminate carbon emissions from electricity systems almost everywhere. Additionally, nuclear would speed the sustainable energy transition even faster in nations with less ability to rely on wind, such as Brazil.
Nuclear Energy Development Per Country Differs
The United States owns 96 operating reactors, accounting for 30% of the global total. But, even in the case of that country, plans are underway to make its nuclear utilization even more prominent.
In Finland, too, people in power are examining safer ways to utilize nuclear energy. One initiative is a six-year research program expected to include more than 150 researchers from numerous Finnish universities and other entities.
Hopefully, efforts like these could spur information-sharing. Then, best practices and takeaways could spread to other areas, making nuclear power safer for everyone.
Nuclear Power Is Worth Continual Investigation
The things mentioned here do not suggest that nuclear energy should be the world’s sole focus for clean power. However, it’s certainly worth careful consideration as people think about the specifics of our current and future energy requirements.
Author: Jane Marsh
by Editor