| The energy produced as a result of atomic energy | | | | amounts of fuel to satisfy their needs. This is a |
| where nuclear reaction of fission or fusion takes | | | | better source that is made available even against the |
| place is called as nuclear energy. Today the world | | | | backdrop of any climatic change unlike other thermal |
| uses about 16% of nuclear energy. To harness | | | | plants. |
| energy, radioactivity of the atoms is subjected to | | | | Nuclear energy does have its advantages. Since, here |
| produce nuclear power. For example, to drive a | | | | the splitting of atoms takes place, large amounts of |
| steam turbine, a nuclear chain reaction takes place, | | | | energy are released in this process, that is, almost 10 |
| where large amounts of heat and boiling water is | | | | million times greater than when an atom of fossil fuel |
| produced, that drives the former. It is megawatts of | | | | is burned. The amount of carbon dioxide that is |
| power that is generated in this process, but the initial | | | | produced is very less, compared to coal plants or any |
| cost of setting up a nuclear plant to harness this | | | | other power generating industries. The only |
| energy is very high. Researchers believe that the | | | | disadvantage is in building up of the power plant and |
| solution for world's biggest problem of global warming | | | | concern over the disposal of its wastes and |
| is nuclear energy. | | | | decomposing it though it is much less than the other |
| France is the country that utilizes maximum amount | | | | power generators. Its compact fuel is also easy to |
| of nuclear energy, at an estimate of 77%. Lithuania | | | | transport. Since uranium is the prime element that is |
| follows second place with 65% and the US with | | | | required, it is available in plenty from open cut mines |
| 20%. Though ultimately it is heat that is generated | | | | and is not expensive too. |
| from both a nuclear plant and any other power plant, | | | | There are disadvantages too, the prime being nuclear |
| it is to be noted that the method of heat generation | | | | radiation accidents that are fatal or bring irreversible |
| varies between the two. Since there is always an | | | | changes in mankind in generations too. These require |
| energy demand whose needs keep on rising day by | | | | high initial capital cost and it is not possible for long |
| day, it is not possible to provide them with finite | | | | term storage of nuclear waste. |