The disadvantages of nuclear power plants would be the mining, as the mining of uranium does not have low emissions and the mining destroys landscapes, as well as this during the process of the mining, radioactive substances are emitted. Solid waste from a nuclear plant or from a fossil fuel plant can be toxic, which is extremely damaging to the social environment and the people surrounding it. Although this is only possible if the nuclear plant was to explode or malfunction. Waste from the nuclear power plant is managed to the point of disposal, while a substantial part of the fossil fuel waste, especially stack gases and particulates are unmanaged after release from the plant. Waste from a nuclear plant differs from a fossil fuel plant’s waste, as its volume and mass are small in relation to the amount of electricity produced. This is of coarse an advantage however, the nuclear waste also differs from fossil fuels in the sense that spent fuel is radioactive while only an insignificant share of the waste from a fossil plant is radioactive.
Mining can also contaminate water that leaks into groundwater, harming the natural environment. Nuclear power plants need a great deal of water, especially for the cooling towers. The water intake and discharge has a rather negative effect on the aquatic systems. The issue of radioactive waste is not only an issue of today but it will be an issue that will affect people and the environment in the far future. It is said that for every three units of thermal energy generated, there are two units of waste heat that is distributed into the environment.
In the past, accidents have happened such as radiation problems that have caused huge damage, which is clearly the reason for the concern about nuclear power plants as a sustainable source of energy. This fact is expressed through many articles; one being the article by John Hannigan called “Environmental Discourse”. He states that even in the 1950’s uranium poisoning affected thousands of workers that worked on the mines as well as communities that were downwind from the uranium mines. It also states that environmental groups were very concerned about nuclear power as being an alternative energy choice. 25 years ago an extremely devastating nuclear accident happened with the Ukraine nuclear power plant, Chernobyl. At the time, this disaster rippled huge problems for the people and the natural environment. It is devastatingly apparent that the effects from this accident are still being experienced today.
“We are telling the stories of just a few of those thousands, to bring to light the reality of nuclear energy. Independent scientists and economists know that nuclear energy is the most expensive electricity source available, counting the cost of building, running and decommissioning the power stations. But an economic analysis alone cannot calculate the costs due to the damage done to our genes, the very foundation of life.” [1]
[1] Greenpeace International. (2011). No more Chernobyl’s. Available: http://www.greenpeace.org/international/en/campaigns/nuclear/nomorechernobyls/. Last accessed 16 April 2011.
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