As the calls for eco-friendly alternatives amplify, companies must find sustainable energy sources to power their facilities. It’s also crucial to help reduce their carbon footprints, increase energy efficiency, and exercise social responsibility.
The eco-friendly trends eventually allowed companies to explore the benefits of nuclear energy.
This article will discuss the benefits of nuclear energy, what it is, its brief history, and which industries can maximize this energy source.
What Is Nuclear Energy?
Nuclear energy occurs when modifying materials on an atomic scale creates nuclear fusion or fission. This power source usually operates on uranium or plutonium, bombarding heavy metals with neurons to spark fissions or fusions. These reactions are crucial for creating thermal energy, which turns water into steam. Power plants can use steam to spin turbines to generate electricity.
History of Nuclear Energy in the US
The United States first developed nuclear energy for electric applications on December 20, 1951, in Arco, Idaho. The country has over 60 operating power plants with 98 reactors across 30 states. The U.S. generates more than any other country, accounting for over 30% of the world’s nuclear power.
What Are the 4 Benefits of Nuclear Energy?
This section will enumerate the benefits of nuclear energy for businesses.
1. Ensure High Safety
Like other significant investments, safety is a top priority, especially for this power source. Fortunately, as technology advances, more companies can enjoy the benefits of nuclear energy because they’re becoming a safer and more stable production for energy sources.
Every power plant has developed and tested safety procedures. Since its beginnings as a power source, three significant accidents have occurred, which led to widespread media coverage and public attention.
While it understandably caused public concern, it’s crucial to add context. Nations began harnessing nuclear power to produce energy more than 60 years ago. Since then, this power production has been safe, with only a few minor accidents. Thirty-three nations have recorded over 17,000 cumulative years of nuclear power production.
2. Stability
Responsible company owners must learn which renewable energy source works best to sustain their business.
While you can pair nuclear energy with wind and solar power, one of the benefits of nuclear energy is it can provide more stable energy because power plants can function in any environmental condition. They’re also one of the most reliable options because power plants rarely pause operations and don’t rely on external factors for efficient operations.
3. Needs Less Fuel
Another benefit that nuclear energy companies can enjoy is that this energy source doesn’t need to acquire and store much fuel. Heavy metals have a higher energy density, allowing them to provide more energy with less material.
4. Environmentally Friendly
Lastly, one benefit of nuclear energy is it’s an environmentally friendly power source. Unlike other energy forms, it creates clean energy by bombarding uranium with neutrons.
They also don’t generate direct carbon dioxide emissions and other substances that can damage the environment. Moreover, most nuclear wastes have relatively low radioactivity levels.
Who Can Benefit from Nuclear Energy?
The medical sector can enjoy the benefits of nuclear energy because healthcare providers can use radiation to detect and treat cancer. Several industrial applications that rely on nuclear power can also benefit from this energy form.
Moreover, they benefit manufacturers relying on radioisotopes to generate consumer products. The food and agriculture industries can also enjoy the benefits of nuclear energy because they need radiation to modify crops.
Powering a Sustainable Company
Industries can enjoy the benefits of nuclear energy because it provides a more environmentally friendly power source. It’s also safe and stable to use.
If you want to learn more about the benefits of nuclear energy for your company, ask William Sheriff. With over 40 years of experience in the minerals and securities industries, Mr. Sheriff has been responsible for significant capital raises and corporate development. Contact us now, and let’s help you power a sustainable company!
