The benefits of nuclear energy

Every type of electricity generating plant has advantages and disadvantages. One of the major benefits of nuclear energy is the fact that it produces about 20 percent of America’s electricity without polluting the environment. Nuclear plants don’t produce any carbon dioxide—the major greenhouse gas—or any sulfur dioxide, any nitrogen oxides or any particulates (tiny bits of matter, suspended in the air, that are produced by burning fossil fuels).

And by taking the place of fossil-fueled plants, U.S. nuclear power plants in 2005 prevented 3.32 million tons of sulfur dioxide, 1.05 million tons of nitrogen oxide, and 681.9 million metric tons of carbon dioxide from entering the earth's atmosphere. You will find documents on the environmental benefits of nuclear power plants and related links in the Protecting the Environment area of this site.  In addition, see the fact sheet Nuclear Energy and the Environment

Nuclear power plants also produce radioactive waste. This waste—most of which is used fuel—must be handled with care. Used fuel is always handled by remote control, with lots of shielding to contain the radiation. After the used fuel is removed from the nuclear reactor, it is stored in steel-lined, concrete pools filled with water. The water cools the fuel and acts as a shield, to protect workers from radiation.

In some cases, after the used fuel is cooled for 10 years, it is stored above ground in huge concrete or steel containers. Above-ground storage systems—like used fuel pools—incorporate a number of safeguards to protect public health and safety. All storage containers are built to withstand natural disasters such as tornadoes and earthquakes. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission has determined that used fuel can be stored safety and with minimal environmental impact for at least 30 years after a nuclear power plant shuts down. For details on nuclear power plant waste, see the fact sheets Used Nuclear Fuel and Disposal of Low-Level Radioactive Waste.

Turning to other ways of generating electricity, the advantages of solar, for instance, are its inexhaustible supply and the fact that it doesn’t pollute. On the other hand, large-scale solar projects require a lot of land and expensive photovoltaic cells. Natural gas prices are unpredictable, and natural gas does produce air pollution (although less than some other sources). Hydropower is pollution-free, but it can require the modification or destruction of ecosystems, and virtually all potential large hydro locations in the United States have already been developed. Coal’s advantages include low generating costs, plentiful U.S. supplies, and the ability of "baseload" coal plants to run around the clock. Coal supplies a little more than half of the electricity in the United States. On the other hand, coal plants create air pollution and produce ash that must be disposed of.

Energy experts recommend having a broad mix of electricity generating sources. By diversifying, if one energy source temporarily becomes unavailable or too expensive, there are others to fall back on.

Nuclear Energy Institute—Washington, DC
August 2000