Nuclear Power
A Real Solution to a Growing Demand

With energy demand expected to grow 50 percent by 2030 and America’s increasing reliance on foreign sources of energy, nuclear power is being discussed more and more as a viable source of clean, safe and affordable energy. The timing could not be better—advances in technology and consistent regulatory oversight have made the industry safer than it’s ever been. With support from both sides of the political spectrum, including a presidential mandate to increase domestic nuclear energy production, a renaissance is happening. From those seeking U.S. energy independence, to those looking for sustainable, low-emission solutions to protect the environment, support is growing for a nuclear-powered future.

 

Positive Reactions

So how does nuclear power work? In simple terms, the heat created from a controlled nuclear chain reaction is used to boil water. The steam produced drives turbines connected to electrical generators that convert mechanical energy into electricity. Today, nuclear power plants generate about 20 percent of the electricity generated in the U.S. Across the globe, some 30 countries have a combined total of more than 430 nuclear power plants. Nine of these countries rely on nuclear power to supply around 40 percent or more of their electricity, including France, Belgium, Sweden, South Korea and Switzerland. Nuclear energy also plays an important part in various facets of important medical research and life-saving radiation treatments that impact millions of lives every day.

 

Responsible Disposal

Although the volume of sensitive by-products created by nuclear energy are far below the levels of pollution created by the burning of fossil fuels, the nuclear process does create small amounts of waste that need to be disposed of safely. Much of the waste from nuclear power plants is low-level radioactive waste that can be safely disposed using available and reliable technology. Aside from the operation of nuclear power plants around the world and environmental clean-up projects, part of EnergySolutions’ business is to dispose of these materials in a responsible and secure manner.