Nuclear energy today

 

 

 

Accidents have made nuclear power unpopular. But we are in danger of running out of fossil fuels. Some people think that nuclear power is the most reliable alternative to coal, gas and oil. It is argued that nuclear power also causes less pollution than fossil fuels.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nuclear power plants supply about 17% of the world’s electricity.

Some countries, such as France, depend on nuclear energy for most of their electrical supply. Other countries, such as the US, the UK and China, have mainly used coal and oil to produce their electricity. However, these countries are beginning to look again at nuclear energy as an option for the future.

 

 

 

 

 

New power stations are being developed.

Scientists are trying to make nuclear energy safer. Some nuclear reactors now use laser beams to produce a nuclear reaction. Small amounts of fuel are needed and the reaction only works under certain conditions.

 

 

 

 

 

Some countries are using other forms of energy.

Some countries, such as Germany are using less nuclear power. They are now turning to other forms of energy, such as wind and solar power. These sources only produce small amounts of energy but they are safe, widely available and cause less pollution.