NUCLEAR ENERGY

Image Courtesy: Tennessee Valley Authority

Nuclear energy comes from splitting atoms in a reactor to heat water into steam, which turns a turbine to generate electricity.

Pros

Carbon-free power generation 24/7/365

Cons

As RE and NG become cheaper, nuclear power plants are increasingly struggling to operate economically. Additionally, nuclear fuel is dangerously radioactive for thousands of years after commercial use and poses an existential threat in the event of man-made or environmental catastrophe (e.g. terrorist attack, tsunami, earthquake).

Real Talk

A great near-term source of carbon free generation; however, over time they need to be transitioned out of service.