Advantages & Disadvantages of Nuclear Energy

Advantages:

1. Almost 0 emissions (very low greenhouse gas emissions).
2. They can be sited almost anywhere unlike oil which is mostly imported.
3. The plants almost never experience problems if not from human error, which almost never happens anyway because the plant only needs like 10 people to operate it.
4. A small amount of matter creates a large amount of energy.
5. A lot of energy is generated from a single power plant.
6. A truckload of Uranium is equivalent in energy to 10,000+ truckloads of coal. (Assuming the Uranium is fully utilized.)
7. A nuclear aircraft carrier can circle the globe continuously for 30 years on its original fuel while a diesel fueled carrier has a range of only about 3000 miles before having to refuel.

Disadvantages:

1. Nuclear plants are more expensive to build.
2. Waste products are dangerous and need to be carefully stored for long periods of time. The spent fuel is highly radioactive and has to be carefully stored for many years after use. This adds to the costs.
3. Nuclear power plants can be dangerous to its surroundings and employees.
4. It would cost a lot to clean in case of spillages.
5. There exist safety concerns if the plant is not operated correctly.