Why Is Nuclear Power Considered a Nonrenewable Resource?
The debate on nuclear power and its feasibility as a reliable source of energy has been ongoing for decades. Many argue that nuclear power is a dirty and unsustainable method of producing energy, citing concerns over nuclear waste and the radioactive emissions that pose a health risk to human populations and the environment. In addition, some also argue that nuclear power is not considered a renewable energy source despite its potential benefits. Why is nuclear power considered nonrenewable? And what are the implications for our energy security and our planet’s environmental health? In this article, we delve into the facts and data to answer this question and explore the current state of nuclear power globally.
**What Exactly is a Nonrenewable Resource?**
Before understanding why nuclear power is considered nonrenewable, it is essential to first define what makes a resource renewable or nonrenewable. In simple terms, renewable energy sources refer to those sources that provide energy through the natural movement of resources over time or through processes that can continuously replenish energy. Some examples of renewable energy sources include solar energy, wind energy, hydropower, and biomass. Conversely, nonrenewable energy sources do not occur naturally or deplete once used. They are a finite resource and require either a long period of preparation or exploitation that can permanently alter the source.
Now, let us examine why nuclear power is considered a nonrenewable resource: *
| Reason #1 | Reason #2 | Reason #3 |
|---|---|---|
| Finity and Depletion of Uranium | Risk of Radioactive Waste and Prolonged Half-life | Infrastructure and Cost Required for Sustainability |
| • As of January 2023, proven global reserves are estimated at 6,300 thousand metric tons []• | Radioactive waste remains potentially hazardous for over 50,000 years [2] | • Operating and maintaining power plants• Reprocessing• Public education on safety [4]•• |
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In the energy sector, this means we have to mine and remove uranium, coal, gas, and oil from under the ground (or within the ground itself) <b style=" font-size:12px "; >which have a definitive and finite shelf life<span style="margin-left:.5em;text-decoration:solid linehalf-width:> •/span>. • According to international estimates, most of the coal reserves have an average lifecycle of about 100 to 150 years, whilst oil and natural gas usually last between 50-100 years respectively. We have approximately six years [7]of proven reserves globally, not to mention uranium, once extracted and turned into yellowcake, are not limitless.
