Page Chen, G10, RDF International School

Since the construction of the first nuclear power plant in the 1950s, nuclear power has played a significant role in providing clean energy. Currently, this source of zero-emission energy accounts for approximately 10% of global electricity generation. Nevertheless, building nuclear power plants remains a controversial subject.

One major drawback of nuclear power is the generation of radioactive waste as byproducts of nuclear reactors. Breaking down the waste is an extremely challenging task, often taking years or even thousands of years. These materials are radioactive and therefore harmful to humans and to the environment. Additionally, the inherent risks of nuclear power accidents cannot be overlooked. The Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster is a prime example, as it resulted in releasing radioactive materials and causing severe health and environmental consequences. Moreover, nuclear power plants take a long period to build and cannot respond to an urgent demand for electricity.

Despite these drawbacks, nuclear power offers several advantages. As mentioned above, nuclear power is a powerful and clean source of energy. During operation, nuclear power plants do not release greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, highlighting their environmental friendliness compared to fossil fuels.

Moreover, these plants have a long lifespan, capable of operating for up to 60 years or more, making them a reliable long-term energy supply. Furthermore, the scalability of nuclear power is commendable; it can be flexibly scaled up or down based on the demand for energy.

It is important to recognize that everything possesses benefits and drawbacks. Rarely do we find something that only exhibits positive or negative aspects. The key lies in how we harness and utilize these resources.

It is imperative for humans to actively contemplate strategies to overcome the challenges associated with nuclear power. With continued technological advancements, I firmly believe that we can ultimately find solutions to eliminate waste and ensure a sustainable future.