The Consequences of Continued Use of Nuclear Power Plants in the USA

The Consequences of Continued Use of Nuclear Power Plants in the USA

Introduction

According to the most conservative estimates, century energy consumption will double in the world by the middle of the 21th century (Beretta). It will happen as a result of the population growth and other geopolitical and economic factors. Thus, the electricity will be required in order to receive a sustainable development of fuel - hydrogen, and provide people with fresh water. Despite the recent tragic events in Japan and a splash of public distrust to the “peaceful atom”, nuclear power continues to be one of the most promising areas. Demand for electricity, which is growing along with the development of the world economy, requires the construction of new reactors. It results in demand for primary resource of nuclear energy - uranium. Uranium market is rather specific sector of the global economy. More than 90% of this sector is controlled by several major uranium-mining companies. The direct sale of uranium is under a strict supervision of international organizations. A speculation in the market is practically impossible. Moreover, the uranium market is extremely stable, because of its closeness.

Therefore, nuclear power is a very promising target for investment. Given the prospect of nuclear energy, many countries, including the United States consider construction of new reactors. “Worldwide, 31 countries are operating 434 nuclear plants for electricity generation. In 14 countries, 36 new nuclear power plants are under construction” (Ebright). Such countries as Turkey, Poland, Vietnam, Indonesia, Morocco and others also expressed their intention to develop nuclear energy. Indeed, the use of nuclear energy has its obvious advantages. Nevertheless,...

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... it will pose a serious threat to human life and health, requiring significant physical, financial and medical resources.

One needs to pay attention to the fact that the problems are possible not only in case of nuclear accidents. It is about the issue of the disposal nuclear waste. Increasing the amount of nuclear waste and reducing the size of the territories for their burial will make the United States face a vexed problem, because currently the elaboration of nuclear waste is not possible. The U.S. government should first promote the research aimed to find alternative ways to deal with energy shortages. Based on the fact that, despite its advantages, nuclear power might lead to catastrophic consequences of not local, but a global scale, it is necessary to seek for the solutions that will ensure minimal harm to human health and the natural balance of ecosystems.