What Are the Benefits and Risks of Nuclear Power?
Program Summary
The main advantages of nuclear power are that it is well established, its use could be expanded globally, and it emits much lower greenhouse gas emissions than electricity from coal. The main disadvantages are the risk of a reactor accident, unresolved issues with radioactive waste disposal, and the link to nuclear weapons.
Nuclear Energy FAQs
- Where in the World Is Nuclear Power?
- How Was Nuclear Energy Discovered?
- How Are Nuclear Power and Nuclear Weapons Related?
- What is Nuclear Waste and What Do We Do With It?
- What Are the Greenhouse Emissions from Nuclear Power?
- What Does Nuclear Power Cost?
- How Do We Get Electricity from Nuclear Energy
Image Sources: Petr Pavlicek/IAEA, CEA/IAEA, Action Team 1991-1998/IAEA
Related Scientist
Alexander Glaser - Dr. Alexander Glaser is Assistant Professor at the Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs and in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at Princeton University. He is a participant in the University’s Program on Science and Global Security and works with the International Panel on Fissile Materials, which publishes the annual Global Fissile Material Report.
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