Uranium – Nuclear Energy

Uses for Nuclear Energy

Nuclear power is primarily used for ship propulsion and electricity generation. About 15% of the world’s energy comes from nuclear power. Some countries rely on nuclear energy for the majority of their electric power.

It also plays an important role in medicine, industry, science, food preservation and agriculture:

• Physicians use radioisotopes to identify and investigate the causes of disease. They also use them to enhance traditional medical treatments.
• Radioisotopes are also used by industry to measure microscopic thicknesses, detect irregularities in metal casings and to test welds.
• Archaeologists use nuclear techniques to date prehistoric objects and to locate structural defects in statues and buildings.
• Nuclear irradiation of food (treating food with ionizing radiation that kills bacteria and parasites) causes less vitamin loss than canning, freezing or drying in food preservation, and it can cut down on food borne illnesses

Demand for Nuclear Energy

Nuclear power is an important source of energy in many countries. In 2008, 16 countries got more than 25% of their electricity from nuclear plants. Lithuania, France, Slovakia and Belgium rely on nuclear power for more than 50% of their total electric power. According to 2008 data from the Nuclear Energy Agency, the United States relies on nuclear power for nearly 20% of its electricity supply, and the United Kingdom gets nearly 14% of its electricity from nuclear sources.

Higher oil and gas prices make alternatives such as nuclear power more attractive and are expected to lead to growth in nuclear generating capacity worldwide. Improvements in reactor design enhance safety, increase efficiency and reduce costs, making nuclear generation an economically attractive source of energy.

France has long been Europe’s leader in nuclear power, with 59 working nuclear reactors and 77% of the country’s electricity coming from nuclear power.

Environmental concerns about the disposal of spent nuclear fuel persist, and countries are addressing those concerns in different ways. The US is developing a disposal facility on government property, but this solution is itself controversial.