Since the first nuclear power plant was commissioned in 1954 in Obninsk, Soviet Union, nuclear energy has been viewed with suspicion. This way of producing energy marked a new chapter in human history. In almost 70 years of use, it has proven to be effective and safe, with the majority of accidents being classified as low risk.
Despite its efficiency, nuclear energy has been criticized because of the risk arising from the use of enriched uranium and plutoniumEnvironmentalists and scientists question its massive use. Even some European countries, such as Germany and Spain, have dismantled or renounced the construction of new nuclear power plants.
Energy crisis
Lately, The view of nuclear energy has changed radically in developed countriesThe Russian invasion of Ukraine has intensified the post-pandemic energy crisis. This has forced several countries to reconsider their nuclear strategy.
Despite the progress of renewable energies, The current energy crisis highlights the legendary dependence on fossil fuelsEurope, despite its massive investments in wind and solar energy, has been forced to look for alternatives to Russian oil and gas.
New options included liquefied natural gas from the United States, pipelines from North Africa and restarting coal-fired power plants. This reflects energy vulnerability even in advanced economies.
In emerging markets, the situation is even more dire. High energy prices have caused power shortages and blackouts, plunging millions of people into extreme poverty.
The limits of renewable energies
The recent crisis has shown that Wind and solar energy are not enough to eliminate dependence on fossil fuels. In advanced countries, renewables account for only a third of electricity produced. Even Denmark, which produces 50% of its electricity from wind, relies on a broader grid that includes hydroelectric and nuclear power.
Nuclear energy is presented as a viable solution to complement renewable energy sources. It can produce electricity continuously and also provide energy for intensive industrial processes. However, to maximize its value, it must evolve.
Today’s reactors require complex operation and maintenancewith highly trained personnel and sophisticated safety systems. Furthermore, the need to periodically refuel these reactors poses additional challenges in terms of nuclear proliferation and security.
Similarly, light water reactors do not meet the heat requirements of many industrial processes. In addition, they have limitations in adapting to variations in wind and solar energy production in electrical grids.
The future
When we talk about nuclear energy, we think of fission since this is the process currently used to produce electricity on a large scale. However, There is another type of nuclear reaction, fusion.which is the energy source of the Sun and all stars.
Nuclear fusion promises to be a virtually clean and unlimited source of energy. Today’s scientists’ efforts are aimed at creating a stable and controlled fusion reaction on Earth.
Achieving stable nuclear fusion would be a great step forward toward a world with virtually unlimited, clean energy. However, the question remains: who will win this momentous race? With several projects and nations involved, The path to a nuclear energy future is promising, but also competitive.
As science and technology advance, the possibility of using nuclear fusion is becoming more and more realistic as a sustainable and safe source of energy. Nuclear energy, whether from fission or fusion, remains a key element in the debate on the world’s energy future.
Is it sustainable?
In terms of sustainability, nuclear energy is presented as a interesting alternative to oil and gas due to its low greenhouse gas emissions. Unlike thermal power plants that burn fossil fuels, nuclear power plants do not emit carbon dioxide or other polluting gases during their operation. This makes them a viable option for reducing the carbon footprint of the energy sector and meeting the emissions reduction targets set out in the Paris Agreement.
In addition, this energy also offers a continuous power generation capacitymaking it a reliable source to continuously meet energy demand. Unlike renewable energy sources such as solar or wind, which rely on weather conditions to generate electricity, nuclear power plants can operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, making them ideal for ensuring the stability of the electricity system.
Challenges
However, nuclear energy also poses significant issues in terms of security and waste managementNuclear accidents such as the one at the Fukushima plant in Japan in 2011 have highlighted the risks associated with nuclear energy, including the possibility of radioactive leaks and environmental contamination.
Although safety standards at nuclear power plants have improved considerably in recent decades, the risk of accidents remains a concern for many countries and communities.
Recommended Readings
The role of nuclear energy in the future
Nuclear energy for the future
