Nuclear energy is the clear choice for the future’s main energy source. We come to see this as evident with how nuclear energy is one of the least deadly energy sources, and how its environmental impact is quite minimal in addition to being extremely efficient.
Safety First
When looking at reasons why you should support nuclear energy, safety should be the number one priority. We see this in a study published by Statista, documenting the associated mortality rates by energy source. The study, which featured seven different energy sources (coal, oil, natural gas, hydro, solar, wind, and nuclear), had nuclear come out as the least deadly energy source of them all. Nuclear energy produced only 90 deaths per thousand terawatt-hours, with the next closest energy source being wind at 150 deaths.
Clean as a Whistle
Another reason to support nuclear energy is that besides being safe for humans, it’s also safe for the environment. In a study published by OurWorldInData, it had nuclear come out as the energy source that produced the least CO2 emissions. Nuclear produced only 3 tonnes per gigawatt-hour. Included in the study were the same 7 aforementioned energy sources in addition to biomass. To top it all off, nuclear also has an extremely small land footprint. One 1000-megawatt facility requires 360 times less land than a wind farm and 75 times less than solar. Talk about efficiency.
This Is What Peak Efficiency Looks Like
Nuclear energy’s efficiency isn’t just limited to the environment though. Nuclear has the highest capacity factor of any energy according to the US Department of Energy. This means it can produce 1.5 to 2 times as much energy as coal and oil, and 2.5 to 3.5 times as much energy as renewables.
Regardless of the area, nuclear energy comes out on top. This is why it should be our primary energy source of the future. Whether it be safety, the environment, or efficiency, nuclear sits alone at the top. With all this in mind, it’s time for us as citizens to intertwine our futures with that of nuclear energy.
Sources:
- https://www.energy.gov/ne/articles/nuclear-power-most-reliable-energy-source-and-its-not-even-close
- https://ourworldindata.org/safest-sources-of-energy
- https://www.energy.gov/ne/articles/3-reasons-why-nuclear-clean-and-sustainable
- https://www.statista.com/statistics/494425/death-rate-worldwide-by-energy-source/
