Does nuclear energy still have a part to play in the world?

Nuclear energy is an alternative to other non-renewable sources, such as coal, oil or natural gas. The demand for energy has been rising steadily over the past few years, along with advances in technology, more electricity is being consumed for various applications. Inevitably, non-renewable sources are being depleted rapidly and scientists have estimated that they will run out within the next 50 years. Thus, scientists have adopted nuclear energy as an effort to meet the demands of a growing global population. Nuclear energy does have part to play in this world but at the possibility of destruction.

Nuclear energy is essential to meet the demands of energy, financially and quantitatively. Clean energy sources such as hydro-electricity and wind energy are not sufficient to meet the growing needs of the global population. Hydro-electricity and wind energy require huge funding in order to be executed. Dams have to be constructed, in the case of hydro-electricity, while wind energy involves the purchase of high-technology mechanisms. Both alternatives are certainly not cost effective. At the same time, the building of dams has been found to damage ecosystems. Thus, the only alternative which can provide us with efficient and cost effective energy after fossil fuels have run out is nuclear energy.

However, there is a danger of devastating nuclear accidents which could be detrimental to humans. Despite the cost of setting up nuclear plants, it provides us with a long term source of efficient and cheap energy, but at the possibility of mass destruction and adverse effects to a country’s population. As displayed by the Fukushima I Nuclear Plant incident, the cataclysmic 9.0 earthquake resulted in the failure of the nuclear reactor, causing damage to the nuclear plant and the release of radioactive materials to the atmosphere. Although there were no reported deaths, Japan is sure to suffer in the long run. Back in 1986, Ukraine was struck by the Chernobyl nuclear disaster. People living in the proximity have either succumbed to radioactivity or their children have physical defects, causing mass destruction in the area. Certainly, safety has to be ensured before constructing a nuclear plant. Scientists have been working on improving the integrity of nuclear reactors to ensure the safety of a nuclear plant. In a few years’ time, we should anticipate safer nuclear energy.

Nuclear energy is becoming more essential in providing energy for the world. Despite the probability of destruction and damage, we cannot deny the fact that it offers a cheaper and more efficient source of energy. In the view of the depletion of non-renewable energy sources, nuclear energy is the only rational alternative we have besides coal. However, scientists have to find a solution to reduce the occurrence of such terrible nuclear disasters again. What could they do to maintain the safety of nuclear plants so that nuclear energy can undoubtedly replace fossil fuels when they run out?