10 Advantages and Disadvantages of Nuclear Power Plant

A nuclear power plant uses nuclear energy for generating electrical power. This article presents 10 advantages and disadvantages of the nuclear power plant.

Advantages of Nuclear Power Plant

  1. Economic base load production: Nuclear power plant is an economic source to be used as a baseload power plant. The running cost is smaller than diesel power plant and comparable with other power plants.
  2. Extending availability of fossil fuels: Fossil fuels such as coal and natural gas are continuously depleting. The use of nuclear power plant (NPP) ensures an extending availability of fossil fuels.
  3. No greenhouse emissions: Compare to other sources there is very small greenhouse emission. Unlike coal, there is no emission of CO2.
  4. Small amount of fuel: Very small amount of nuclear fuel is required for generating a large amount of power. 1 kg of Uranium can generate power as much as 4000 tons of good quality coal.
  5. Fuel transportation saving: Smaller quantity of fuel saves from transportation problems.
  6. Compact in size: NPP is compact in size.
  7. Low running charges: The running charges of NPP are smaller than diesel and off-shore wind resources.
  8. Large deposits are available: Large deposits of nuclear power are available that can be utilized for power generation.
  9. Reliable source: Sources such as wind, solar are not predictable. The nuclear fuel, on the other hand, is a reliable source for generating power.
  10. Can continuously run: A nuclear power can continuously run 95% of the time throughout the year.

Disadvantages of Nuclear Power Plants

  1. Capital cost: The capital cost of the nuclear power plant is very high as compared to all other resources.
  2. Long approval and commissioning time: A NPP requires very long timescale for approval and commissioning of the plant due to many technical difficulties and safety issues.
  3. Accidents: Nuclear accidents associated with nuclear power plants makes it a less acceptable power generation source.
  4. Fuel is non-renewable: Use of nuclear fuel ensures extended availability of other nonrenewables, but unlike water, solar, and wind, the nuclear fuel itself is a non-renewable source.
  5. Radioactive waste: The nuclear waste is a major trade-off that is associated with nuclear power generation. The assorted waste from an NPP should be stored for 10,000 – 2,00,000 years for safety.
  6. Long time scale constructional: NPP requires a long timescale for construction. The crew should be experienced and technical.
  7. Nuclear weapons: The use of nuclear for power generation also encourages its use as nuclear power.
  8. Net yield: The net energy yield of the nuclear plant is lower.
  9. Vulnerable to terrorists: A nuclear power plant is vulnerable to terrorist activities, which requires very strong and tight security measures.
  10. Expensive than hydro: The running charges of nuclear fuel is higher than hydro plant furthermore it is nonrenewable as compared to hydroelectricity.

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