S4.11.8 For the adult
Weighing up nuclear power
People disagree about nuclear power. What is true about it, and what do we have to weigh up?
What this chapter teaches
Every source of electricity has gains and costs. Nuclear power gives out very little carbon dioxide, uses little fuel and gives a steady supply, but a station is costly and slow to build, accidents are rare and serious, and it leaves waste. Most waste is low level. High level waste is cooled, sealed in casks and meant for a deep store, because some nuclei in it have long half-lives.
Three questions to ask
There is no one right wording. Listen for the idea.
- What are two gains and two costs of nuclear power?
- Why is high level waste kept for such a long time?
- Why is it fair to say that every source of electricity has gains and costs?
After the chapter, the learner can
- Compare nuclear power with fossil fuels and renewables
- Explain how nuclear waste is stored safely
What they copy into their notebook
Nuclear: almost no CO₂ in use, little fuel, steady, but costly, slow to build, and it leaves waste. Waste: low level, intermediate, high level. High level is cooled, sealed, then kept deep in rock. Every source has gains and costs.