There are a number of alternative sources of energy and environmentally friendly fuels available to combat the damage to the environment caused by Fossil Fuels.
Fossil Fuels such as coal and gasoline provide most of the energy needs of the world today, but because of their diminishing reserves, high prices and most importantly, their damaging effect on the environment, alternative sources of energy and environmentally friendly fuels are now being developed. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, ‘There are more than a dozen alternative and advanced fuels in production or use today.’
Many leading environmentalists agree that nuclear energy should be a force in mitigating the impact of climate change.
America’s nuclear power plants prevent 700 million metric tons of carbon dioxide from entering the atmosphere each year. That’s equivalent of the exhaust from 100 million cars!
People might consider nuclear energy a dangerous option, but today’s technology proves safer than generating coal-based electricity. No civilian has died from radiation since the U.S. started its nuclear energy programs. In fact, according to the Bureau of Labor Standards, it is safer to work in the nuclear industry than in the manufacturing sector and even the real estate and financial sectors.
Nuclear energy plants use water, but they do not consume it. Most of the water used in nuclear power plants returns to its source, never making contact with the plant’s reactor. Nuclear plants use between 26 and 42 gallons of water per household per day. The average American household uses 315 gallons of water per day!
Nuclear energy also is competitive in the electricity market. U.S. nuclear power plants operated at 92 percent of capacity in 2007, with electricity production cost at a record-low 1.76 cents per kilowatt-hour, compared to coal at 2.47 cents and natural gas at 6.78 cents.
104 nuclear power plants currently operate in the U.S. They produce 20 percent of the nation’s electricity and virtually no carbon dioxide emissions.
Meanwhile, the debate continues…..
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