Solar vs Nuclear, which is safer, cheaper, and        better

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Introduction

Solar and nuclear energy are in the headlines. And their popularity is growing day by day. Some are preferring nuclear while some are recommending solar. But which is the beat fuel, a green fuel? To know the answer continue reading. Let’s begin…

Nuclear energy

So basically, nuclear energy is the energy of the nucleus of an atom. It means that when the atoms break to form 2 smaller atoms, the energy stored in its nucleus is released, which is used in nuclear power plants to heat water, to make steam that could turn the generator which will produce electricity. And all our nuclear plants work on this principle.

How nuclear energy is produced?

Nuclear energy is formed by uranium 235. When the uranium 235 is hit with the slow-moving neutrons, the heavy atom of uranium breaks into two medium-size atoms, barium139 and krypton 94. Three neutrons and a tremendous amount of energy is also released in this process.

Then all these 3 neutrons again hit the new three uranium atoms and hence form a self-sustaining chain of reaction. And within seconds the tremendous flow of energy begins. So, control this reaction boron rods are used which absorb the excess neutrons released in the reaction.

And at last, a reaction that is controllable and manageable is achieved which is also beneficial to humans for obtaining energy from it. Then the energy which is released in this reaction is used to heat water, to make steam and that steam turns the turbines of the generator, which in turn produces electricity.

Is nuclear better than solar?

In the short term, nuclear energy has no limit to fulfill human energy needs. But in long term, it is not that reliable. Because nuclear energy is not renewable. It works on the principle of breaking uranium ions, and once they are over this reaction also gets over. And so is the power supply.

But if we see the capacity factor of 2020, nuclear has the largest share. And it is true that nuclear energy is better than solar but only in the short run. Solar is the fuel of the future!

Is nuclear cheaper than solar?

See, nuclear plants work on uranium and 1 kg of uranium costs about $1,50,00,000. So, I think that none of you are interested in that electricity at this cost. Like stats prove that generating power from solar costs between $38 - $46, while nuclear costs about $118 - $197.

In India constructing a solar plant of 1 megawatt costs about 4 cores while a nuclear plant costs about 37.50 cores. Now you tell me that which method of producing electricity is cheaper?

Is nuclear greener than solar?

Solar is not lagging behind nuclear in any aspect. Solar panels directly absorb heat and sunlight and convert it into electricity while nuclear plants use uranium as their base product to produce electricity and everyone knows that how uranium caused tremendous destruction in Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

But in nuclear there are good are many ways installed which control this reaction, but then also it emits gases and waste which is harmful to all the beings of environment. Tell me if anything is breaking in small parts it will surely release wastes and nuclear reactors do the same.

But solar only traps sunlight and changes it into electricity. It does not burn water like nuclear to produce electricity. So the conclusion comes that solar energy is greener than nuclear.

Why is nuclear energy bad?

Nuclear energy is definitely not a good choice than solar. As it is having many negative effects. Nuclear pollution is not visible but it does not mean that generating nuclear energy does not produce pollution. It is the same as alcohol. It will take time to degrade the earth, but slowly it will definitely do!

We, humans, are blindly following nuclear. It also produces radioactive wastes which remain active for hundreds of years. Its pollution can also cause cancer, a disease which has no cure till now. More to more nuclear contribute to only 11% of world total energy. So what’s good about this energy?

Nothing!

Can a nuclear reactor explode like a bomb?

Nuclear plants have accurate configurations and sufficient tools and materials to stop the chain reaction of uranium to go uncontrollable. Therefore, there is a 99.9% of chance that nuclear plants will not explode. But exceptions and mistakes are always there.

If the boron rods which control the excess neutrons go out of potential then also there can be a blast. If the steel of the reactor started melting there is a risk of nuclear radiation.  

So nuclear plants are safe! But to a little extent, they are not.

Conclusion

Nuclear energy has the potential to satisfy human needs, but it is also true that nuclear energy is expensive and is like a slow poison to earth. Nuclear reactions produce a tremendous amount of energy, if this energy is used as a fuel for rockets, it will be more beneficial.

Because this energy is very much efficient. So rather than making it an energy fulfiller of earth, humans should focus on making it a space fuel.

Solar energy

The energy which is obtained from the sun and converted into electrical energy which is further used for different works is called solar energy. So when the sun rays fall on the solar panels they convert them into electrical energy, the energy on which our civilization is based.

Why is solar energy not widely used?

Solar energy is not used widely. But it experienced a boom in the last few years. But then also it is not accepted on a large scale as it requires space for panels, separate equipment, and proper management.

Some are not accepting it as they have lack time, money and some are ignoring it as they are not having enough space. These are the main reasons behind it. there are many other factors like less efficiency, knowledge, and false knowledge.

Why is solar bad?

The reasons and parameters on which solar energy is lagging are its disadvantages like-

1.      Proper management is needed.

2.      Special equipment needed.

3.      Space needed.

4.      Regular maintenance is also needed on the other hand nuclear does not need much maintenance. It can work up to 1.5 years to 2 years without refueling and maintenance.

These are some of its disadvantages.

Best clean energy source

The best clean energy sources are hydroelectricity and wind energy. These are the best clean energy source in today's world.

Conclusion

Although solar has many disadvantages, it is also true that solar is our fuel for the future. Our civilization will be dependent on solar not on nuclear. So both solar and nuclear are good at their place but nuclear is behind solar.

Nuclear vs Solar

It's time for comparison-

Renewability-

Solar- 2 points

Nuclear- 0 points

Efficiency-

Solar- 2 points

Nuclear- 2 points

Maintenance-

Solar- 0 points

Nuclear- 2 points

Affordability-

Solar- 2 points

Nuclear- 0 points

Small scale use-

Solar- 2 points

Nuclear-0 points

Large scale use-

Solar- 2 points

Nuclear- 2 points

Setting up-

Solar- 2 points

Nuclear- 0 points.

Future-

Solar- 2 points

Nuclear- 1 point.

Results

So at the end of the test solar wins 14 points and nuclear wins 7 points so solar is in a clear majority. So it is concluded that solar is more efficient, affordable, clean than nuclear.

Thank you for reading.

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