There is more than one way to generate the power that is needed to keep everything running smoothly. One way is to use natural gas. Another way is to use nuclear power. Each of these two choices has its own advantages and disadvantages. Before you make up your mind about which is best to use, it is a good idea to learn how to differentiate between what is true about these two sources of energy, and what is nothing more than a misconception.
Natural gas is a combustible mix of hydrocarbon gasses. These gasses occur naturally, deep inside the earth. Natural gas comes from the decomposed remains of plants, animals, and microorganisms that were compressed by layers upon layers of sediment. The pressure, the heat of the earth, and thousands of years of time combine to create natural gas.
Nuclear power is fueled by uranium, which is a metal that has a high density, and is silvery white in color. It is found in the form of ore in many places in the Earth’s crust, and is a very abundant metal. Nuclear power requires the use of fission, (which is something that naturally occurs in the sun). On Earth, it takes place in laboratories, under very controlled circumstances. Fission is the process by which uranium atoms are split into smaller pieces. Enormous amounts of energy is produced through fission.
Each of these sources of energy has comes with its own advantages and disadvantages. None of our existing sources of fuel are perfect. It is possible, however, to compare one source of energy against another one.
Natural gas is a non-renewable resource. It takes thousands of years for this fuel to be created. Nuclear power comes from uranium, which also takes thousands of years to create. We have been using natural gas for much longer than nuclear power, so it would be reasonable to assume that we will run out of sources of natural gas long before we run out of sources of uranium.
Nuclear power produces very little carbon dioxide gas. Natural gas produces carbon dioxide and water vapor when it is burned. It has been said that since nuclear power produces much less carbon dioxide that it is a “greener” energy source than natural gas is. Natural gas produces less carbon dioxide than coal.
Natural gas must be extracted from the ground by a process called hydraulic fracturing. This is done through oil wells, drilling, and pumping. It requires the use of chemicals like hydrochloric acid, solvents, surfactants, petroleum-based lubricants, microbe killers, and corrosion inhibitors. These chemicals can poison a water supply. Humans and livestock have frequently been exposed to these chemicals.
Nuclear power produces nuclear waste, which is radioactive, and takes a long time to break down. There isn’t a perfect solution about what to do with nuclear waste. Many people are afraid of being exposed to radiation due to a nuclear accident. This can happen, but has only happened three times in the past thirty years.