Nuclear Power: The Solution to the Energy Crisis
Location
CSU Ballroom
Start Date
10-4-2018 10:00 AM
End Date
10-4-2018 11:30 AM
Student's Major
Construction Management
Student's College
Science, Engineering and Technology
Mentor's Name
Brian Wasserman
Mentor's Department
Construction Management
Mentor's College
Science, Engineering and Technology
Description
As concern for the environment gets greater, particularly in terms of fossil-fuel consumption and carbon emissions, nearly all developed countries and their institutions are scrambling to come up with a viable source of energy for the planet. Currently only 19.7% of the total energy output in the US comes from nuclear power compared to other developed countries such as France (72.3%), Belgium (51.7%), Sweden (40%), and Switzerland (34.4%). In contrast about 30% of the US energy output comes from coal which creates the most pollution compared to other fossil fuels. The only country that uses more coal than the US is China where it accounts for 64.9% of total energy produced. Although, it does have 32 nuclear reactors under construction, the highest in the world. My research aims to look into the practicality of building new power plants so that a larger percentage of the total energy output can come from nuclear power as well as discuss some of the common safety concerns. My findings are based on pre-existing statistics published by the New Scientist, International Energy Agency, World Nuclear Association, and the UN. In conclusion, nuclear energy is cleaner and safer than current conventional energy sources; unlike other green sources of energy like solar and wind, it produces a constant, reliable, and plentiful supply. Most importantly, the technology and infrastructure needed to produce and provide nuclear energy already exist making it the most practical choice for a sustainable future.
Nuclear Power: The Solution to the Energy Crisis
CSU Ballroom
As concern for the environment gets greater, particularly in terms of fossil-fuel consumption and carbon emissions, nearly all developed countries and their institutions are scrambling to come up with a viable source of energy for the planet. Currently only 19.7% of the total energy output in the US comes from nuclear power compared to other developed countries such as France (72.3%), Belgium (51.7%), Sweden (40%), and Switzerland (34.4%). In contrast about 30% of the US energy output comes from coal which creates the most pollution compared to other fossil fuels. The only country that uses more coal than the US is China where it accounts for 64.9% of total energy produced. Although, it does have 32 nuclear reactors under construction, the highest in the world. My research aims to look into the practicality of building new power plants so that a larger percentage of the total energy output can come from nuclear power as well as discuss some of the common safety concerns. My findings are based on pre-existing statistics published by the New Scientist, International Energy Agency, World Nuclear Association, and the UN. In conclusion, nuclear energy is cleaner and safer than current conventional energy sources; unlike other green sources of energy like solar and wind, it produces a constant, reliable, and plentiful supply. Most importantly, the technology and infrastructure needed to produce and provide nuclear energy already exist making it the most practical choice for a sustainable future.
Recommended Citation
Shamoon, Kafile Kaab. "Nuclear Power: The Solution to the Energy Crisis." Undergraduate Research Symposium, Mankato, MN, April 10, 2018.
https://cornerstone.lib.mnsu.edu/urs/2018/poster-session-A/35
