By Dequawn Brown*
*This article was written by Dequawn Brown, and selected as the winning essay for the EnergyRates.Ca College Scholarship 2023. Brown graduated from Harry Ainlay High School and has been admitted to the Computer Science BA at the University of Alberta.
Growing up, I heard a lot of conflicting opinions about nuclear energy. While some would view it as a dangerous and outdated technology of yesterday, citing incidents such as Chernobyl and Fukushima Daiichi, others continually highlighted it as a necessity for the energy of tomorrow.
Whilst the former viewpoint held onto a younger self, it is the latter that I have come to agree with. As I’ve aged and become more informed about the energy sector, so too has nuclear technology grown to become increasingly advanced demonstrating its potential as a critical component of the next generation.
First and foremost, nuclear energy begins to shine as a reliable source of energy due to its invariant nature in relation to weather. Unlike solar or wind power, other alternatives in energy, nuclear energy plants can constantly operate at consistent rates, providing a stable source of energy that can be relied upon to meet the needs of businesses and households alike. This becomes especially important when considering the nature of energy demand; It will only continue to grow, particularly as developing countries continue industrializing.
Another advantage of nuclear energy is its ability to provide a low-carbon source of energy in relation to climate change. As a major concern, the current situation necessitates a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. Nuclear energy is a significant contributor to this goal, as it produces far fewer CO2 emissions than traditional sources of energy such as coal and natural gas making it a crucial component of the energy mix as we work to decarbonize the energy sector.
Another factor that makes nuclear energy so important is its unexpected affordability. While those critical of the idea, suggest that the upfront costs of building a nuclear plant can be high, the long-term costs of operating a nuclear power plant are actually very low. This is because nuclear fuel is abundant and relatively cheap, making it a cost-effective source of energy for decades to come. Additionally, the operational and maintenance costs of a nuclear plant are also low, making it not just an attractive option for countries that are looking to reduce their energy costs over the long term, but possibly, the only one.
One of the main concerns about nuclear energy is safety. However, the safety of nuclear energy has improved significantly in recent years, thanks to advances in technology and regulation. Today’s nuclear plants are designed with multiple layers of safety systems that can detect and respond to any potential problems, ensuring that the risk of a nuclear accident is kept to a minimum.
In conclusion, I believe that the need for nuclear energy in the future is clear. It provides a reliable, low-carbon source of energy that is safe, affordable, and readily available. While there will always be concerns and challenges to be faced, it is clear that nuclear energy is an essential part of the solution and that it must play a crucial role in meeting our energy needs in the years to come.
