Nuclear power produces far less waste material than fossil-fuel based power plants. Coal-burning plants are particularly noted for producing large amounts of toxic and radioactive ash.

Coal power results in more radioactive waste released into the environment than nuclear power.

Fission 


In order to have a nuclear power plant, one needs as source of fuel. Typical plants use uranium that is mined from natural ore reserves. The uranium ore is converted to a uranium hexafluoride which is then enriched. The enriched uranium has about 0.7% U-235 and is formed into fuel rods. The rods are used for about 6 years until 3% of the uranium has fissioned. The fuel rods then pretty much are left out to decay.

 Uranium is a common element on Earth (about the same as tin and 35 times as much as silver). It is found in most rocks, direct and oceans. The typical price of uranium is $130/kg and there are enough reserve to last at least 80 years at current consumption rates. The fuel costs are relatively small compared to the electricity produced so dramatic changes in uranium prices will have a minimal effect on the final price (compared to natural gas).

Uranium must be enriched so that it contains between 2-3 percent uranium-235. Three-percent enrichment is sufficient for use in a nuclear reactor used for power generation. Weapons-grade uranium is composed of 90-percent or more U-235. 

Cooling 

  • Like all forms of power generation using steam turbines, Nuclear power plants use copious amounts of water for cooling.
  • Two-thirds of energy produced by nuclear power plant goes to wast heat (Carnot Cycle). This heat is carried away using water that remains uncontaminated by radioactivity.
  • Generally all nuclear plants are located by a large body of water for cooling. 

Storage

  • The safe storage and disposal of nuclear waste is a significant challenge. 
  • The most important waste stream from nuclear power plants is spent fuel. 
  • The waste is mostly composed of unconverted uranium and actinides (plutonium and other radioactive elements).
  • The actinides (uranium, plutonium, and curium) are responsible for the bulk of the long term radioactivity, whereas the fission products are responsible for the bulk of the short term radioactivity.
 

Fusion

  • Fusion energy could last at least 3000 years from current lithium reserves and 60 million years from sea water extract.
  • Still in development stage.
  • Could produce several times more the energy than nuclear reactors
  • No radioactive waste 
 
 

Pros 

  • Large amounts of energy (Gigawatts compared to MW in alternative energies).
  • Economical

Cons

  • Solid Waste
  • Heat Pollution
  • Risk of plant meltdown
  • Security target 

 Links:

http://www.sc.doe.gov/feature/fes.htm