For the second time since 2011, Japan is without nuclear power, according to Al Jazeera America.
The country’s decision to close its last reactor for an unspecified amount of time has raised further questions about the effectiveness and safety of nuclear power.
According to Al Jazeera America, Japan will compensate for its closed reactor by using fossil fuels to produce power.
While it’s true that nuclear power and the 2011 Fukushima Daiichi disaster have not been particularly kind to Japan, it is important to remember that nuclear power is practiced safely throughout much of the world.
Instead of being vilified or feared, safe nuclear power should be welcomed.
Before building a case for the wider implementation and useof nuclear power, it is important to understand how a nuclear power plant operates.
Instead of burning other fuels like oil or gas, nuclear reactors operate by containing the heat released by the breakdown of uranium-235, according to BBC.
The heat released from uranium-235 is used to make steam that turns a turbine. The turbine in turn powers a generator that produces electricity, according to BBC.
Although nuclear power may produce clean energy, its main problem lies in the waste it leaves behind.
If the radioactive waste left from a nuclear reactor is contained properly, however, the chances of it seeping into groundwater is low.
According to the Nuclear Energy Institute, nuclear power accounted for 12.3 percent of the Earth’s electricity production in 2011.
Surprisingly, the U.S. was the top producer of nuclear energy in 2012. It was followed by France, Russia and South Korea, according to the NEI.
As of today, there are 434 nuclear reactors in use throughout the world, according to NEI.
Through its worldwide popularity, it is clear that nuclear power is a viable means of producing electricity for the masses.
Opponents of alternative power sources may point to Fukushima or Chernobyl and say that nuclear power is dangerous.
Although nuclear power does pose some inherent risks, the chances of a meltdown or radioactive leak are small.
Let’s remember the 2011 Fukushima Daiichi disaster occurred because of an earthquake and tsunami.
In countries like France, earthquake-protected reactors would not be susceptible to such rare occurrences, according to the World Nuclear Association.
Yes, nuclear power is expensive and possesses its own inherent risks — just like many other alternative energy sources.
In order to meet increasing energy demands, the U.S. and other countries should continue to follow the tradition of using a variety of different energy sources.
Yes, it is tragic what occurred in Japan.
However, one should not let such a disaster deter the rest of the world from using a popular and acceptable form of alternative energy.
Shane Newell is a junior journalism major and the opinions editor at the Daily 49er.