Nuclear + Renewable Energy = The Ideal Mix?

Abstract

Not much thought is given when flicking on the lights at home, but that energy travels from somewhere. Current energy production allows for modern luxuries like lights, TVs, and travel, but is also one of the biggest contributors to global warming. Given the problems the climate is currently facing it is vital to look out for the possible ramifications of certain power production. This thought process is crucial to keep in mind when deciding which source is best to run the world’s electricity and power. Each of these sources has its own set of positive and negative aspects but the benefits must outweigh the costs. Through researching past articles and studies, a synthesized analysis of several forms of renewable energy will be produced. In addition to this, the following question will be answered: can nuclear energy’s positives outweigh the costs and will it be the missing piece for sustainable energy? Looking into the background of the subject, it is known that nuclear energy is very reliable, powerful, and can be the base load which a power grid can be built on. A deeper investigation of how public opinion is largely affecting the ability for these power plants to be built, thus preventing the expansion and integration of nuclear energy, will also be included. This is a central topic as the only way to ensure that nuclear energy will be able to expand is to inform the population of its benefits and erase the negative connotation that comes with its name.