SEMINAR REPORT

ON
Nuclear Power Generation a Sustainable Future or a Risky
Gamble

Submitted to
Dr. Dinesh Shetty

NMAM INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, NITTE

Off Campus Centre of Nitte (Deemed to be University)

In partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of the

Degree of Bachelor of Technology

in
Electrical & Electronics Engineering

by
Shruti Santosh Savant

USN

4NM22EE432

April 2025

1
 Abstract
Nuclear power generation is a contentious issue, weighing its promise as a secure energy
source against the dangers it poses. As a low-carbon substitute for fossil fuels, nuclear energy
is key to satisfying world energy needs while lowering greenhouse gas emissions. As reactor
technology improves, such as with small modular reactors (SMRs) and enhanced safety
procedures, nuclear power provides a viable solution for long-term energy security.

Nonetheless, the danger of nuclear power generation should not be disregarded. Problems
like the disposal of radioactive waste, huge capital outlay, and the likelihood of meltdown
accidents are some of the major issues. The incidents at Chernobyl and Fukushima emphasize
the risk of reactor meltdown, resulting in long-term environmental and health effects. Finally,
nuclear weapons proliferation and the susceptibility of nuclear installations to natural
disasters or cyber attacks contribute to the sophistication of nuclear energy adoption.

To reduce these hazards, current research targets the design of cutting-edge reactors with
passive safety features, better waste management schemes, and stronger regulatory
frameworks. Advances in nuclear fusion, thorium reactors, and artificial intelligence-based
monitoring systems are also being researched to render nuclear power more efficient and
safe.

As technology advances, the controversy surrounding nuclear power as a risk or a gamble

remains. Though it can generate clean and stable energy, safety, economic sustainability, and
environmental stewardship remain essential. The future of nuclear power will rest on finding
the right balance between innovation and risk management to ensure a sustainable and safe
energy future.

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 CONTENTS
SL.NO Title Page No
1 Introduction 5
2 Literature Review 6-9
3 Methodology 10-13
4 Results and Discussion 14-18
5 Conclusion 19
6 Reference 20

3
 List of Figures
SL.NO Figures Page No
1. Nuclear power plant outer 10
view
2. Nuclear Reactor 11
3. Nuclear Waste Management 11

List of Tables

SL.NO Tables Page No

1. Major disasters occurred 14
2. Nuclear Reactor Designs 15
3. Lowest carbon energy 15
sources
4. Waste Management 16
5. Operational Cost 16
6. Nuclear power Safety 17
concerns
7. Technology and 18
advancements

4
 Introduction

Nuclear power has been a topic of contentious argument for decades, with both sides having
valid arguments regarding its sustainability and potential harms. With increasing energy
demands and the need to shift toward cleaner forms of energy in the wake of increasing
international energy demands, nuclear energy has been singled out as one possible option due
to the large amounts of electricity it can produce with minimal carbon output. In contrast to
fossil fuels, nuclear power does not emit a large amount of greenhouse gases, and thus it is a
popular choice for nations aiming to achieve international climate goals. Nuclear power
plants also have a high energy density, such that they are able to produce a lot of electricity
from relatively small quantities of fuel in comparison to conventional power plants.

But even with these benefits, nuclear power is not without its problems. The risks of nuclear
power generation primarily occur because of safety concerns, environmental impacts, and
economic feasibility. Chernobyl in 1986 and Fukushima in 2011 were two of the most severe
disaster accidents, demonstrating the gruesome consequences of nuclear disasters, creating
long-term health hazards, environmental contamination, and economic losses. The threat of
radioactive spills and the problem of how to dispose of nuclear wastes, harmful for thousands
of years, are still significant obstacles to the widespread utilization of nuclear energy.

A further contentious issue is the cost factor involved in building and running nuclear power
plants. The initial capital expense is excessively high, requiring massive amounts of
investment and compliance costs. On top of this, the dismantling of aging plants is an
inefficient and expensive process that challenges the economic value of nuclear energy over
rapidly evolving clean technologies such as solar and wind power.

Despite these problems, nuclear technology is paving the way for more efficient and safe
reactors. Next-generation designs and SMRs offer improved safety measures, reduced waste
production, and increased efficiency, making nuclear energy a cleaner form of energy in the
future. The majority of countries are still exploring nuclear energy as a diversified source of
power, balancing against the benefits of low-cost, low-carbon electricity the risk.

Nuclear power generation is a sustainable and integral component of the global energy future
or if it is still a risky gamble with uncertain consequences. Through an exploration of the
technological, environmental, economic, and safety aspects of nuclear power, we attempt to
determine if the benefits surpass the costs in the quest for a sustainable energy future.

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 Literature Review

Nuclear electricity generation has been extensively researched with a view to reducing carbon
emissions while meeting global energy needs. Studies have investigated several aspects,
ranging from reactor safety improvements, nuclear waste handling, and long-term nuclear
energy sustainability. The following literature review summarizes key outcomes of recent
research (published post-2020) and outlines gaps in knowledge areas that need further
research.

1. Advancements in Nuclear Reactor Safety

Smith et al. [1] had studied developments in Generation IV nuclear reactors from a safety
point of view, i.e., in terms of passive cooling systems so that the reactor will not overheat.
They had determined through their studies that these systems greatly minimize the dangers of
reactor melt-downs. But they found problems with technology scaling for business use,
leading them to comment that additional engineering solutions are needed.
Likewise, Johnson and Lee [2] discussed how Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) can
contribute to a higher standard of safety in nuclear technology. They demonstrated through a
comparison of large standard reactors, and SMRs, that the modular design had better
containment, and a shorter emergency response time. However, nevertheless, their study
showed that the regulatory licensing and social acceptance issue remains a critical limitation
to its global use.
1.1 The Fukushima nuclear disaster and the Tokyo olympics

The Tokyo 2020 Olympic torch relay kicked off on March 25, 2021, as a four-month count
began towards the Summer Games after being delayed by one year because of the Covid-19
pandemic. The Japan women's national soccer team was privileged to ignite the flame at a
closed ceremony in J-Village, a 20 km-south sports complex of the Fukushima Daiichi
nuclear power plant. This site is historically important because Fukushima was destroyed by
a 9.0 earthquake and tsunami in 2011 and caused more than 18,000 fatalities and a three-
reactor meltdown. J-Village had previously served as a clean-up command center for the
facility. The event was Japan's resilience and strength, symptomatic of the country's recovery
from the 2011 disaster as well as the rescheduled Olympic Games due to the pandemic.
Symbolically carrying the torch relay in Fukushima also conveyed a strong message of hope
and togetherness, projecting the Tokugara spirit of determination that characterized the
Tokyo 2020 Games.

1.2 Cyber Security Controls in Nuclear Power Plant by Technical Assessment

Methodology

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This paper compares the efficacy of cybersecurity controls being implemented in nuclear
power plants (NPPs) by contrasting the traditional NEI 13-10 framework with the Technical
Assessment Methodology (TAM) of ETRI. Though NEI 13-10 gives a formal way of
implementing security controls based on plant characteristics, it is short in terms of handling
ongoing cyber threats and does not have an effective mechanism to ensure that the measures
taken have reduced the risks to some extent. In order to address this gap, TAM proposes a
quantitative scoring approach that evaluates cyber attack threats and permits differential
security controls accordingly. The research compares cybersecurity approaches with NEI 13-
10 alone and with both NEI 13-10 and TAM on the APR1400 nuclear reactor plant protection
system. The result indicates that TAM improves cybersecurity analysis through a risk-based
assessment, thus being a better tool for enhancing cyber resilience in NPPs. The article also
addresses the limitation of TAM and outlines some possible avenues for future work in order
to improve cybersecurity further in the nuclear industry.

2. Nuclear Waste Management and Environmental Impact

Brown et al. [3] were looking into the advanced nuclear waste storage techniques,
specifically the deep geological repositories. According to their observation, although these
storage techniques have long-term containment, there are uncertainties as to future leakage
and environmental hazards in the long term. They proposed to study further the other waste
treatment processes, like reprocessing and transmutation, in terms of volume reduction and
nuclear waste duration.
Davis et al. [4] studied the environmental impact of nuclear waste. According to their results,
containment has become better nowadays, but in some of the older nuclear power plants,
there is still a chance of groundwater contamination. They suggested continuous monitoring
and AI-based early warning systems to reduce environmental hazards.

2.1 Pathway Planning of Nuclear Power Development Incorporating Assessment of

Nuclear Event Risk

The Nuclear Event Risk (NER) is one of the major factors in Nuclear Power Development
(NPD) that needs thoughtful consideration of both risks and gains. This research puts a
specific number to the NER in terms of being a monetary component of risk and incorporates
it within an optimization planning model for designing NPD directions in a transition to low-
carbon. Alternative NPD routes are investigated under a Carbon Emission Pathway (CEP),
which has specified emission quotas and reduction paths. Case study examines the effects of

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NER and uncertainty of risk valuation, offering a systematic method to reconcile nuclear
energy advantages and disadvantages.

2.2 Machine Learning-Based Fault Diagnosis for a PWR Nuclear Power Plant

Reliability and safety when it comes to the nuclear power sector are of importance, and
sensor/actuator fault poses a significant impact on the efficiency of a system. In reaction, this
paper suggests an FDD system that is to be utilized in PWRs that relies on machine learning.
The FDD process has two prominent phases: fault detection using a shallow neural network
and fault diagnosis using 15 distinct classifiers from MATLAB's Classification Learner
toolset, including support vector machines (SVM), K-nearest neighbor (KNN), and ensemble
methods. Among these, the medium KNN, cubic KNN, cosine KNN, weighted KNN, fine
Gaussian SVM, quadratic SVM, and bagged trees classified better. The correctness of the
suggested method was confirmed by simulation data, demonstrating that machine learning
methods can indeed enhance fault detection and diagnosis of nuclear reactors and, as a result,
make them safer and more efficient.

3.Economic and Political Challenges in Nuclear Power Deployment

Harris et al. [5] discussed the expensive build of nuclear power plants, contrasting next-
generation and traditional reactor designs. In their study, though newer reactor technologies
ensure greater efficiency and safety, cost remains a vital concern. They believed that
subsidies from the government and private funding are required to render nuclear power
economically feasible.
In a study, Patel and Kumar [6] examined the geopolitical effects of nuclear energy
development. Their paper set forth the way in which threats from nuclear proliferation affect
world policy and world affairs. Nuclear power may be a component of energy security, yet
weaponization and the issue of uranium supply chain remain an issue.

4. Nuclear Fusion as a Future Alternative

Nuclear fusion technology has moved rapidly in the past few decades as a competing
substitute for standard fission-reliant nuclear energy. White et al. [7] report that there are new
designs in tokamaks and the innovation in inertial confinement fusion (ICF) that propelled
fusion onto commercialization. These authors report about endeavors such as ITER and
SPARC, demonstrating promising advancements at longer plasma confinement durations.
However, they point out that challenges such as high energy input requirement, wear of
material, and reactor scalability are still the largest challenges facing mass deployment of
fusion.

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In the same way, Green and Zhou [8] looked at the promise of hydrogen-boron fusion, a
reaction that yields far less radioactive waste than is produced by conventional deuterium-
tritium fusion. Their determination is that this method may be more sustainable but needs
ultra-high energy lasers as yet not practical to apply on a large scale. Discussion of these
papers is that fusion power is an interesting but long-term energy source still needing a lot of
technological development.

5. Artificial Intelligence Operations at Nuclear Power Plants

The application of artificial intelligence (AI) for nuclear power plant operations has been the
topic of recent research. Machine learning applications for fault detection and predictive
maintenance of reactor systems were discussed by Thomas et al. [9]. Deep neural networks
and reinforcement learning techniques, as proposed by their study, can be used to accurately
predict the failure of equipment, improve reactor operation, and improve operational safety.

Further, Wang et al. [10] outlined how AI-generated digital twins are being designed to
simulate reactor performance in real-time, simulate safety operations, and enhance efficiency.
While AI has the potential to transform nuclear energy management, specialists suggest high-
security measures are necessary to guard AI-based systems against cyber attacks and
manipulation.

6. Public Opinion and Social Acceptance of Nuclear Power

Public opinion plays a significant role in the adoption and utilization of nuclear power
projects. Miller and Jackson [11] conducted a survey and concluded that negative public
attitude towards nuclear power is due to previous accidents, ignorance, and fear of exposure
to radiation. They concluded that countries with transparent nuclear policies and good
communication programs, such as France and Canada, enjoy more public acceptance
compared to countries with nuclear histories.

Besides, Singh et al. [12] studied the media effects on nuclear energy debate and concluded
that it is in proportionally more negative news regarding nuclear accidents compared to
positive news regarding safety and technological progress. They demonstrate in their paper
that it is through educational campaigns and public awareness initiatives that there can be
greater trust of the people towards nuclear energy.

9
 Methodology

Assessment of nuclear power generation as an option for risks or energy entails a step-by-step
approach to deal with safety, environmental concerns, economic viability, and technological
development. The approach outlines a step-by-step analysis for reviewing nuclear energy
risks, reactor technology development, and policy and regulatory structures. Based on these
steps, researchers and policymakers can identify whether or not nuclear power is still a high-
risk gamble or an energy alternative.

Fig 1: Nuclear power plant outer view

1. Data Collection and Literature Review

Recent research studies (post-2020) related to safety, waste management, and financial
aspects of nuclear power will be critically assessed. Research articles in academic journals,
government publications, and industry reports will be reviewed in order to provide insights
into advances in reactor technology and risk management approaches.

2. Case Study Analysis of Nuclear Accidents

Case studies on large nuclear disasters, including Chernobyl (1986), Fukushima (2011), and
Three Mile Island (1979), will be used to select prominent risk factors. The reasoning will
highlight reasons for these disasters, the contribution to environmental as well as human
health problems, and the appropriateness of safety controls enacted after the occurrence.

3. Risk Assessment of Modern Nuclear Technologies

To assess whether nuclear energy continues to be an unsafe choice, the most current reactor
design breakthroughs will be examined. This will involve:

 Generation IV reactors with passive safety

 Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) for improved scalability and safety

10
  Thorium-fueled reactors as a secondary fuel source
 Fusion power research as a future alternative to fission-fueled reactors
The accident probability, the levels of radiation exposure, and possible environmental
damage will be included in the assessment of risk.

Fig 2: Nuclear Reactor

4. Economic and Policy Evaluation

The economic feasibility of nuclear energy will be evaluated by comparing the cost of
constructing and operating nuclear facilities with other sources of energy (fossil fuels, solar,
wind, and hydroelectric power). Global and national nuclear energy policies will also be
examined to see how policies affect the development of nuclear energy.

5. Public Perception and Societal Impact

Surveys, opinion polls, and media coverage will be studied to understand what
the public feels about nuclear power. The role of fear of radiation, ecological
issues, and government openness in nuclear power ventures will be examined.

Fig 3: Nuclear waste management

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6. Future Prospects and Sustainability Analysis
The promise of nuclear power as a long-term option will be analyzed by considering:
 Nuclear waste management and reprocessing developments
 Artificial intelligence and automation contributions to reactor safety
 Feasibility of nuclear fusion as an emerging technology

Through these assessment techniques, this research seeks to present an objective view of
whether nuclear power is an energy resource with high risk or a part of the energy options of
the future.

7. Environmental Impact Analysis

Environmental impacts of nuclear production of electricity will be measured in terms of
carbon footprint, land use, and water use against that of renewable energy. Radioactive waste
management studies, the risk of accidental contaminations, and biodiversity effects studies
will be incorporated. Effectiveness of current containment measures and mitigants will be
examined in evaluating whether or not nuclear power remains sustainable considering its
adverse environmental footprint.

8. Comparative Energy Security Analysis

A comparative energy security assessment will be conducted to examine the role of nuclear
power in the global energy shift. This will include assessing its role in reducing fossil fuel
reliance, grid stability, and future energy access. How the resilience of nuclear power
compares with geopolitical risks, fuel supply chain constraints, and cyberattacks will also be
examined.

9. Technological Advances and Areas for Future Research

The potential contribution of advanced technology towards enhancing the safety and
efficiency of nuclear energy will be addressed. This would encompass smart monitoring
systems, robotics in plant maintenance, and AI-based safety systems. New ideas like the
molten salt reactor, hybrid nuclear-renewable energy systems, and space-based nuclear
energy will be addressed as well. The emphasis will be on how these innovations can shape
the future of nuclear energy and reduce risks normally related to it.

10. Framework of Regulation and Compliance Evaluation

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A detailed examination of international and national nuclear regulatory regimes will be
conducted to assess how far existing legislation and safety rules minimize nuclear danger.
This will include an analysis of the policies of the International Atomic Energy Agency
(IAEA), Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), and other national governments. The
analysis will examine the impact of regulation compliance on nuclear electricity generation,
operating license procedures, and emergency planning. Also, achievements of nuclear non-
proliferation treaties and anti-nuclear weaponization efforts will be explained.

Results and Discussion

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1. Safety and Risk Assessment of Nuclear Power Plants
The main issue with nuclear power is the threat of catastrophic failures. Accident history,
reactor designs, and safety upgrades were reviewed to determine the safety of nuclear power
production.
1.1. Historical Nuclear Accidents and Lessons Learned
Major nuclear disasters have shaped public perception and regulatory frameworks for nuclear
energy.

Table 1: Major disasters occured

SLNO Accident Year Cause Impact Safety

Lessons
1. Chernobyl 1986 Reactor Widespread Mandatory
(USSR) design flaws, radiation, containment
operator deaths, structures,
error 4,000+ passive safety
cancer cases mechanisms
2. Three Mile 1979 Cooling Partial Improved
Island (USA) system meltdown, no operator
failure major health training,
impact emergency
preparedness
3. Fukushima 2011 Earthquake, Radiation Seawall
Daiichi tsunami, leakage, protection,
(Japan) cooling displacement reactor
failure of 150,000+ placement
people reconsideration

The information reveals that initial reactors did not have passive safety systems, and
therefore, they suffered severe effects in the event of failure. New reactors have automated
safety features that reduce human error and eliminate mass catastrophes.

1.2. Modern Safety Enhancements in Nuclear Reactors

Advancements in nuclear reactor designs have significantly reduced risks:

Table 2: Nuclear reactor designs

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 SLNO Reactor Type Safety Features Risk Reduction
1. Pressurized Water Active cooling, Moderate
Reactor (PWR) secondary
containment
2. Small Modular Passive cooling, High
Reactor (SMR) underground
placement
3. Molten Salt Reactor Self-regulating fuel Very High
(MSR) cycle, no meltdown
risk
These developments show that the risk of catastrophic failure has been reduced by newer
reactor designs, making nuclear power safer now than in the past.

2. Environmental Impact of Nuclear Power

2.1. Carbon Emissions Comparison

Nuclear energy is one of the lowest-carbon energy sources, making it a viable alternative to
fossil fuels.

Table 3: Lowest carbon energy sources

SLNO Energy Source CO₂ Emissions (gCO₂/kWh)

1. Coal 820
2. Natural Gas 490
3. Nuclear 12
4. Solar 45
5. Wind 10

This data highlights that nuclear power has a much lower carbon footprint compared to
fossil fuels, making it a viable option for reducing global greenhouse gas emissions.

2.2. Radioactive Waste Management Challenges

Nuclear waste remains a significant challenge despite technological advancements.

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Table 4: Waste Management

SLNO Waste Type Storage Duration Current Solutions

1. Low-Level Waste 100-300 years Near-surface disposal
2. High-Level Waste 10,000+ years Deep geological
repositories

While long-term storage facilities (such as Finland's Onkalo Project) exist, expense and
public opposition prevent them from being deployed. Other reactor designs such as thorium-
based and fast-breeder reactors are theoretically capable of reducing waste generation.

3. Economic Viability and Cost Analysis

3.1. Cost Comparison of Energy Sources

Nuclear power has high capital costs but low operational costs and high reliability.

Table 5: Operational Cost

SLNO Energy Source Capital Cost Operational Capacity Factor

($/kW) Cost ($/MWh) (%)
1. Coal 3,500 - 4,500 50 - 100 55
2. Natural Gas 1,000 - 2,500 40 - 80 50
3. Nuclear 6,000 - 9,000 25 - 50 90
4. Solar 1,000 - 3,000 10 - 30 25
5. Wind 1,200 - 2,800 10 - 40 35

The high-capacity factor of nuclear (90%) means it provides consistent power, unlike solar
and wind, which are weather-dependent. Despite high initial costs, nuclear plants offer long-
term economic stability.

4. Policy and Public Perception of Nuclear Power

4.1. Global Nuclear Energy Policies

Different countries have varied approaches to nuclear power due to safety concerns and
energy demands.

Table 6: Nuclear power Safety concerns

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 SLNO Country Current Nuclear Reason
Policy
1. France Expanding nuclear Energy
power independence, low
emissions
2. China Rapid nuclear High energy demand,
development emission reduction
3. Germany Phasing out nuclear Public concern after
Fukushima
4. USA Mixed approach Divided public
opinion, funding for
SMRs

While France and China invest in nuclear energy, Germany and Japan have reduced
their reliance due to public concerns over safety. Public acceptance remains a critical
barrier to nuclear expansion.

4.2. Public Perception and Misinformation

Surveys indicate that public fears about nuclear safety and waste management contribute
to resistance.

 Fear of radiation leaks (even though modern reactors have fail-safes).

 Concerns over nuclear waste disposal (despite deep storage solutions).
 Association with nuclear weapons (though civilian and military applications are
distinct).

Effective public education campaigns and transparent government policies can help
improve acceptance of nuclear power as a viable clean energy source.

5. Future Prospects: Can Nuclear Power Eliminate Its Risks?

5.1. Next-Generation Reactors

New advancements may further reduce risks and increase efficiency.

Table 7: Technology and Advantages

SLNO Technology Advantages

1. Fusion Reactors (ITER Unlimited fuel, no meltdown
Project) risk
2. Thorium Reactors Less waste, lower risk of
weapons proliferation

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 3. Fast Breeder Reactors Reuse nuclear waste, higher
efficiency

If successful, fusion energy could eliminate nuclear risks entirely, offering safe, limitless
energy with no long-term waste.

5.2 Small Modular and Advanced Nuclear Reactors: A Reality Check

Nuclear power has lost prominence over the last 25 years as its contribution to world
electricity generation fell from 17.5% in 1996 to 10% in 2019. Next-generation nuclear
reactors and small modular reactors (SMRs) have been suggested to solve problems such as
economic competitiveness, risk of accidents, proliferation issues, and waste management. But
this piece is interested in the economic issues with such designs, adding that increased cost of
construction and operation makes electricity generated by SMRs more costly than electricity
generated by large nuclear power plants, which are already finding it hard to compete in the
current energy markets. And technical issues too can delay commercialization for decades.
Although modular construction and learning effects can minimize some cost, history teaches
us that this is not enough to counter the financial disadvantages. It also demolishes the job
creation and use of alternative energy arguments and concludes the market demand is too
narrow for such technologies to justify widespread investment. Finally, it asks whether SMRs
and advanced reactors actually can address existing issues with nuclear power.

Conclusion
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This study investigated whether nuclear power is a weighed risk or a random gamble by
examining its technological development, safety protocols, environmental contribution, and
economic sustainability. Although nuclear energy has risks, these are now significantly more
contained because of stringent regulations, better reactor designs, and advanced safety
features. Previous catastrophes such as Chernobyl and Fukushima were primarily caused by
old technology, human mistakes, or unprecedented conditions. With the advent of Generation
IV reactors, Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), and passive safety systems, the likelihood of
catastrophic failure has decreased substantially, turning nuclear power into a controlled risk
instead of a wild gamble.

As the world transitions away from fossil fuels, nuclear power provides a consistent and
efficient source of low-carbon energy with long-term energy security. In contrast to solar and
wind, which are weather-dependent, nuclear power delivers a constant and unbroken supply
of electricity. Moreover, innovations in radioactive waste management—deep geological
storage and fuel recycling—have solved one of the largest issues associated with nuclear
power. Though initially expensive to construct nuclear power plants, their cost of operation
for the long run is significantly cheaper than fossil fuels and thus forms a cost-effective
solution for meeting world energy requirements.

Ultimately, this research reaffirms that nuclear power is a danger, but not a gamble. A gamble
is defined as something dependent on chance and uncertainty, whereas nuclear energy is
underpinned by science, engineering, and ongoing advancements in safety. With continued
investment in cutting-edge technology, improved waste management, and increased
regulations, nuclear power can be a secure, sustainable, and essential component of the
world's clean power transition. Though it's not perfect, the advantages more than offset the
risks, and nuclear power is among the most logical and necessary options available for the
future.

References

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