The Problem With Nuclear Fuel

The use of nuclear fuel has been touted as an alternative to fossil fuels. But how does nuclear fuel compare to fossil fuels in the long run?

Recently, there are some serious issues that have been associated with fossil fuels. Among them are the price factor and the environmental factor. Oil production, today, has not been successful in reaching at the peak. This problem can be felt at an individual as well as national level. There is also a possibility of a serious and perhaps an irreversible climate change bought because of carbon dioxide emissions from the burning of fossil fuels. In such circumstances the use of nuclear energy can be the best alternative against fossil fuels since there are no greenhouse or acid rain effects, the transportation is easy, and the energy generation is the most concentrated source. But the million dollar question is, does nuclear fuel pose a threat to a nation?

Nuclear energy is the most controversial source of fuel. Nuclear power relies upon supplies of Uranium and plutonium. Uranium and plutonium resources are themselves limited. Since these resources are just begun to get exploited, it is certain that if the current level of production continues, the prospects of nuclear fuel becoming an alternative can rise.

We cannot forget the Chernobyl and the Three Mile Island incidents. The casualties were huge owing to reactor problems. With such incidents, there are doubts whether nuclear fuel will prove to be the best alternative for fossil fuels.

Storage of nuclear waste is also an issue. There are problems of disposing spent fuel and uranium. Radiation from nuclear wastes is one issue of concern. Though nuclear energy does not emit carbon dioxide into the air, it does release one chemical that is very harmful to the ozone-CFC-114. Another problem with nuclear fuel is cost. Already there has been an investment of more than 500 billion dollars for building reactors. So, instead of nuclear fuel one should search for alternative fuels such as solar power and biodiesel.

About Author: Pauline Go is a professional writer for many websites. She also writes other great articles like Crude Oil Usage In USA, Do Fuel Savers Work? Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Pauline_Go