Nuclear energy

When we compare the cost and other aspects of nuclear energy with the other energy sources, we find that a nuclear plant is really competitive in the market. Low and stable marginal production cost is one of the main economic aspects of a nuclear power plant considering to its lower fuel cost. Nuclear plant requires only 15% to 20% of total cost for the entire life cycle of nuclear fuel including enrichment, fabrication, spent fuel treatment and disposal. For example, if the price for uranium is increased by 100% then the electricity production price will increase slightly by around 5%. If the same amount of cost increases for gas power plant in comparison, then the electricity cost will increase by at least 75%. So economically nuclear energy is strong. 

Nuclear energy is not like other energy resources and important aspects include production of clean energy without reducing greenhouse gas as well as using carbon free energy sources. Typical nuclear reactors use mineral fuel extract energy from its radioactivity and in such reactors, the input fuel is 235Uranium. The 235U is burned to yield heat and most of the energy yield comes from 239Plutonium. Some of the 238U transforms into 239Pu through the capture of neutron particles, which is released at the time of 235U burning.

Uranium sources are available in different concentrations in land and water. Proper management can deal with all the safety concerns and environmental impacts. Regardless of the definitions of renewable energy, nuclear energy is capable of fulfilling all the criteria for sustainability and the well-being of the future generation.

Md Al Mamunul Haque
Post-graduate Researcher
The Royal Institute of Technology, Sweden