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Discuss the advantages and/or disadvantages of nuclear power as a source of energy

The increasing debate of globalization has led to significant expansion of industrialization and changes in socio-economic and political demands across the world. In this respect, energy for industrial and domestic use has gained much demand and this has put various governments, private sector and scholars on research for efficient, renewable and clean energy. Most recent invention of nuclear power has attracted mixed reaction across the world based on its safety and sustained management.

There are benefits that can be accrued from nuclear power. It is seen as clean and feasible replacement of petroleum oil which is blamed on carbon emission and subsequent greenhouse effect (McKinney, et al. 223). The electric power capacity generated by this technology is more compared to alternative sources like hydroelectric power. It is worth to note that the dwindling whether significantly explain unreliable alternative sources of energy like hydroelectric, wind power and waves hence the advantage of nuclear energy which is not affected by climate change. In this regard, nuclear energy is reliable to serve industrialization and domestic demand with accurate predictability. Although this source of energy has been hailed as among the best, it has some shortcomings that need critical consideration. There is emerging threat of misusing this technology to develop nuclear weapons which is a contentious global security issue. Besides, the cost of maintaining the nuclear reactors is not within the reach of many nations and this raises questions on its sustainability. Considering the water required for cooling and supervisory manpower, this source of power poses real cost challenge. The most debated issue with this source of energy is past experiences of nuclear meltdown and the subsequent emission of radioactive substances in the environment (Apikyan and David 53). This is an eminent threat that characterizes this technology as experienced in Japan and Chernobyl nuclear explosions.

It is therefore important that further research is undertaken to discuss the emerging concerns on adoption of nuclear power across the world.

Works cited

Apikyan, Samuel, and David J. Diamond. Nuclear Power and Energy Security. Dordrecht: Springer, 2010. Print.53

McKinney, Michael L, Robert M. Schoch, and Logan Yonavjak. Environmental Science: Systems and Solutions. Boston: Jones and Barlett Publishers, 2012. Print.223