Article 4: Nuclear Resurgence
Lloyd , J. (2023, December). Nuclear Resurgence . Retrieved January 27, 2023, from https://www.imf.org/en/Publications/fandd/issues/2022/12/nuclear-resurgence-nordhaus-lloyd
This writing discusses the victories for nuclear energy in 2022 with there being a large uptick in the amount of reactors built in the United States as well as the war in Ukraine bringing up the large weakness of relying on fossil fuels as a primary means of both transportation and electricity, especially in Europe compared to the United States. Additionally, the Article also discusses the possibility of providing more power in the US with nuclear, citing both benefits and drawbacks, such as the 18 month refueling.
This piece shows some of the influences from outside sources can definitely disrupt the oil trade and how it is not safe nor economically viable for a continued reliance on oil, especially with OPEC controlling such vast swaths of wells in the middle east it would be a national catastrophe if the United States was to be isolated from the main source of its power, with the war in Ukraines gas prices being hugely larger highlighting this, as well as sending inflation out of control.
Good response, I agree that it is unreliable to fully rely on oil from other countries because of possible disputes such as the war happening in the Ukraine. How much cleaner would nuclear energy be in the long run compared to oil?
Nuclear is far cleaner than coal in the long run, as coal releases sulfuric acid when combusted along with other green house gasses. Nuclear however does not as it is entirely steam powered. For a comparison of efficiency, if the entirety of your life could be powered by nuclear energy, the waste of such would fill a soda can. Additionally, advancements in thorium and fusion will make this even more efficient
I agree that countries can no longer be dependent on coal because it is not a reliable, eco-friendly source of energy. We should depend more on nuclear energy. How much more energy can nuclear plants produce than coal?
Excellent question. Nuclear energy currently has 439 active reactors, with some being for research or developmental. Nuclear currently supplies about 18% of the worlds energy. Coal has 2400 plants world wide, and makes up about a third of global energy production. If there were as many nuclear plants as coal plants, it would be more than enough to power the globe, and further innovation in efficiency along with fusion and thorium only make this more viable.
Thanks for sharing! Articles like this further prove my stance on the importance of growing our nuclear power plants in the country as they continue to be the best solution for clean energy. That is interesting to read that nuclear power plants are being increased due to scarcity in fossil fuels. Maybe the US is aware of the benefits of nuclear power as the future?
Thanks for sharing! Articles like this further prove my stance on the importance of growing our nuclear power plants in the country as they continue to be the best solution for clean energy. That is interesting to read that nuclear power plants are being increased due to scarcity in fossil fuels. Maybe the US is aware of the benefits of nuclear power as the future? *already made comment but forgot to include name*