Nuclear Power Must Be Used by All

Nuclear Power Must Be Used By All

Student Name Here

IDC 4900

Elizabethtown College

Abstract

Nuclear around the world must embrace and devolop nuclear power to meet their growing power needs.  Limiting the use of nuclear power to the devolped world is not sufficient to address the dangers of the overuse of fossil fuels because developing countries are the fastest growing users of this dangerous and harmful fuel source.  This paper details the background of nuclear power.  Futhermore, it presents information regarding the technologies available today that make nuclear power more effective and efficient than the alternatives.  While other renewable sources may provide a greater percentage of power needs in the distant future, this paper demonstrates that only nuclear power can do so in the near future.  A review and response to key critisisms of nuclear power establish that the challenges of nuclear power can be overcome more easily than the significant challenges of the alternatives.  Finally, this paper details the best plan to implement the nuclear solution.

Nuclear Power Must Be Used By All

        In order to address the power needs of both developed and developing countries, nations around the world must embrace and develop nuclear power.  Sustainable power is a global challenge that every society must address.  Fossil fuels are projected to be depleted in the next fifty years (provide source) and are being used at a much faster pace than at any time in history.  In addition, the consensus that the growing use of carbon-based fossil fuels are irreparably damaging the ecological balance of the planet.  Unfortunately, most sources of renewable energy cannot provide the levels of energy needed to meet the world’s power demands.  Global development is growing at a pace that renewable power cannot sustain, and a solution is needed now; that solution is a worldwide use of nuclear power.

Benefits of Nuclear Power

        Advocates for nuclear power say that power providers can find benefits by taking advantage of today’s nuclear technology.  Nuclear power provides more stable prices when compared to the fossil fuels; constant changes in coal emissions regulations make coal-based power nearly impossible to operate at a profit in advanced economies.  Unfortunately, without this regulation, it appears to be cheaper in developing countries but they pay the price in health consequences, and everyone will pay the price as the climate changes (Farsetta, 2008).  Fortunately, countries around the world are spending tens of millions of dollars to explore nuclear power options, engaging in studies of engineering and preparing license applications; unfortunately, few have the billions of dollars that building a reactor would require in start-up costs which would be recouped over the life of the reactor.  “There’s a huge sense of déjà vu for me personally,” Wallace says (Wald, 2008, p. 3.).

        A new generation of nuclear power sources provides few greenhouse gasses that contribute to global warming and climate change than any generation of electricity from carbon-based sources.  Non-carbon energy sources are important.  Fully renewable sources would be preferable.  However, if renewable resources cannot supply the world’s energy needs, which seem unlikely in the near term, nuclear power might be the only way to fill the energy ‘gap’ (Kilinc, Boyes, & Stanisstreet, 2012).

Background

        Data from the World Nuclear Association (2016) recognized the first expansion of nuclear technology occurred in the mid-1950s.  Sixty years later the world struggles with consequences of the initial efforts to create a nuclear age.  Nuclear power plants, technologies, and experts often outlive regimes, and the breakdown of strategic political relationships can have unexpected consequences beyond policy maker’s intentions.  (World Nuclear Association, 2016).

        President Dwight D. Eisenhower gave a speech in December of 1953 to the United Stations.  In that speech, President Eisenhower made an announcement that was known as the Atoms for Peace program.  He advocated that the United States and its allies promote nuclear technology and science and teach it at home and abroad.  President Eisenhower warned of the dangers of nuclear weapons and the arms race, calling nuclear technology the “greatest of destructive forces.” (Mian & Glaser, 2008, p. 42).  However, he also argued, it could “be developed into a great boon for the benefit of all mankind.”. (Mian & Alexander, 2008, p. 42). America planned to share nuclear knowledge to help the world “apply atomic energy to the needs of agriculture, medicine, and other peaceful activities.  Its special purpose would be to provide abundant electrical energy in the power-starved areas of the world.” (Mian & Glaser, 2008, p. 42).