I decided to write a little piece on nuclear power. Turned out to not be so little. I hope you will bear with me. Here is the introduction, just the basic way a nuclear reactor works. Part 2, coming soon, covers Chernobyl.

Nuclear Power; The words themselves bring to mind a seemingly failed promise of unlimited energy, along with still fresh images of smoldering meltdowns and radiation spills. Yet, despite this climate of fear surrounding it, nuclear power is still the most viable source of energy for the developed nations of a world entering the 21^st century. The idea of inexpensive, abundant energy to meet and exceed the growing demands of an increasingly energy dependant world is not simply a fantasy to dream about; it is a reality, made so by nuclear energy.

This report intends to inform readers of the facts about nuclear power, and dispel the common legends surrounding it. Through nuclear power, America can lessen its dependence of foreign oil, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and guarantee a reliably source of energy for future generations. Despite the common perception, nuclear power is a viable, attractive option. Instead of relying of the whim of foreign oil companies for our energy needs, nuclear power can be harnessed to allow America to control its own energy destiny. Rather than continue to contribute to pollution through tradition fossil-fuel energy sources, nuclear power can provide a zero-emissions solution. Finally, with abundant supplies of nuclear fuel, nuclear energy offers the tantalizing promise of dependability for this and future generations. (more…)