Fission or Extinction: How Nuclear Energy Can Save Our Planet
By Irisa Juangroongruangkit, GRC 2024 Global Essay Competition Top 30
Energy consumption is inevitable in today's market-based economic system, but when is energy consumption excessive?
The United Nations reports that the Earth is warming more rapidly than ever, with global temperatures already 1.1 °C above pre-industrial levels, causing serious consequences for biodiversity, food security, and human health (International Panel of Climate Change 2018). The primary driver of these rising temperatures is the global energy system, which forms the foundation of our world’s economies and societies (International Energy Agency 2024). Energy production and consumption, particularly fossil fuels like coal, oil, and gas, account for over 75% of greenhouse gas emissions and nearly 90% of all carbon dioxide emissions, making it the largest contributor to climate change (United Nations 2020).
In today’s society, people are increasingly dependent on electricity. As energy demand rises, so does consumption in transportation and industrial processes (World Nuclear Association 2024). However, to mitigate climate change, greenhouse gas emissions must decrease drastically (World Nuclear Association 2021). Therefore, changing our methods of electricity generation is imperative, and this is where nuclear energy comes into play.
Nuclear energy is generated through nuclear fission. Fission occurs when uranium atoms are struck by neutron particles, causing the atom’s nucleus to split and release tremendous amounts of energy. This heat is converted into thermal energy, which boils water to produce steam, generating electricity (BBC News 2023).
Figure 1:
Nuclear energy is one of the lowest-emission energy sources available (Fortum 2024). Although non-renewable, nuclear energy doesn’t produce carbon dioxide or other greenhouse gases during operation (BBC News 2023). In fact, utilizing nuclear energy in modern society avoids emissions approximately equivalent to removing one-third of all cars from the world’s roads (World Nuclear Association 2024). It can directly replace fossil fuels, providing large amounts of stable and reliable electricity that can be deployed on a large scale with minimal environmental impact (World Nuclear Association 2024; Fortum 2024).
With these properties, nuclear energy can help achieve net-zero emissions if managed and stored properly. It has already become essential for everyday life, powering homes, industries, and even technology, supplying about 10% of the world’s energy. According to the World Nuclear Association, a dozen countries source 25% or more of their energy from nuclear reactors. The United States, for example, has over 90 nuclear reactors operating, supplying 20% of its electricity (World Nuclear Association 2024).
France generates over 70% of its electricity from nuclear energy. Due to its high reliance on nuclear power, France’s electricity sector emissions are only one-sixth of the European average (World Nuclear Association 2024). Within approximately 15 years, nuclear power transitioned from a minor role in the French electricity system to becoming its primary source (World Nuclear Association 2024).
Figure 2:
This demonstrates nuclear energy’s ability to expand at the speed required to combat climate change and its critical role in securing energy transitions for the future (World Nuclear Association 2024).
Advances in nuclear technology that are being increasingly utilized, such as microgrids and microreactors, make nuclear energy more accessible (Lovering 2022). Microgrids are small-scale power grids that operate independently or in conjunction with the main power grid, generating electricity for localized areas (McGrath et al. 2024). While renewable-powered microgrids are growing, those with large loads still predominantly rely on fossil fuels due to energy demand.
However, a new class of small modular nuclear reactors, known as microreactors, offers a promising alternative (Lovering 2022). Microreactors can replace traditional nuclear power plants in
microgrids, providing a reliable energy source that balances consumption and reduces reliance on fossil fuels. Microreactor designs come with several innovative features that could facilitate the commercialization of nuclear energy in new markets.
Firstly, microreactors are smaller in size and lower in cost compared to traditional nuclear power plants, making them easier to finance (Lovering 2022). Microreactors can be seamlessly integrated with renewable energy sources within microgrids and can be quickly relocated from sites in exchange for new ones (U.S. Department of Energy 2021). Factory-fabricated and quickly, microreactors are "ready-to-use" that can be shipped worldwide (U.S. Department of Energy 2021; Lovering 2022). Traditional nuclear power plants take years to construct, whereas microreactors offer faster deployment. Additionally, microreactors require less maintenance, ensuring electricity access with minimal staff or enabling autonomous operation. Their "lifetime core" design allows operation of a fully fueled reactor for 5-30 years without refueling (Lovering 2022), producing 1-20 megawatts of thermal energy that can be used directly as heat or converted to electric power (U.S. Department of Energy 2021). This feature allows microgrids to provide clean and reliable energy 24/7 and is particularly beneficial for remote locations where frequent fuel deliveries are challenging (Lovering 2022).
With these emerging advancements, combating climate change becomes possible. All technologies that can contribute toward solving one of humanity’s greatest challenges should be utilized. Immediate action is imperative to avoid significant humanitarian consequences, as the impacts of climate change will disproportionately affect the poorest and most vulnerable first (World Nuclear Association 2024). Nuclear energy, recognizing this urgency, can step up to play an important role in securing sustainable energy transitions to meet today's challenges and achieve tomorrow's goals.
Bibliography
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International Panel of Climate Change. 2018. “Summary for Policymakers — Special Report: Global Warming of 1.5oC.” IPCC. 2018. https://www.ipcc.ch/sr15/chapter/spm/.
Lovering, Jessica. 2022. “Could Micro-Nuclear Reactors Power Microgrids in Emerging Markets?” Energy for Growth Hub. March 7, 2022. https://energyforgrowth.org/article/could-micro-nuclear-reactors-power-microgrids-in-emerging markets/.
McGrath, Amanda, and Alice Gomstyn. 2024. “What Is a Microgrid? | IBM.” Www.ibm.com. February 29, 2024. https://www.ibm.com/topics/microgrid.
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World Nuclear Association. 2024a. “How Can Nuclear Combat Climate Change? - Nuclear Essentials.” World-Nuclear.org. 2024. https://world-nuclear.org/nuclear-essentials/how-can-nuclear-combat-climate-change. ———. 2024b.
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