Research in the field of preventing global warming and closing the energy gap has led to the fact that nuclear power plants and this technology, which cause much less greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere, have become important. Currently, many countries, including Turkey, are warmly considering or using nuclear power plants.
It is possible to list the advantages and disadvantages of nuclear energy, the negative aspects of which we have a chance to see as a result of the disaster in Japan, as follows:
Advantages of Nuclear Energy:
-Nuclear power generation causes a much smaller amount of carbon dioxide to be released than other technologies that produce electricity using coal, natural gas or oil. In other words, since nuclear power plants have less greenhouse gas emissions, their impact on accelerating global warming is lower.
-Nuclear energy technology is a ready-made technology and has completed its development stage.
-Electrical energy can be obtained from a nuclear power plant in high figures.
Disadvantages of Nuclear Power:
-It is still a question mark what to do with the nuclear waste generated by nuclear power plants. These wastes, which are very dangerous, should be stored carefully.
-Despite the high safety standards, nuclear energy is still a very risky technology. As in Japan, accidents can still happen. there is no 100% safe nuclear power plant. On the other hand, the consequences of accidents at nuclear power plants are very destructive for both nature and mankind.
-Nuclear power plants pose a great danger to external attacks, as well as the risks that come from them. The consequences of any terrorist act that may take place at a nuclear power plant will be severe.
-Radioactive waste released at nuclear power plants can then be used to make weapons. The widespread use of this technology also means the proliferation of nuclear weapons.
-Uranium, the source of nuclear energy, is a scarce resource. According to forecasts, the world’s uranium resources will be depleted in 30-60 years, depending on demand.
-Considering the bureaucratic and technical details necessary for the establishment of a nuclear power plant, it takes about 20 to 30 years to complete a power plant. It is impossible to build a nuclear power plant in a short time.
In the light of the above information, it can be concluded that nuclear power plants are more of a problem than a solution. On the other hand, global strategic balances and the energy needs of developing economies lead to investments in nuclear energy despite these risks.