nuclear power

• What is the primary fuel used in nuclear power plants?

  Uranium and plutonium
• What is a key characteristic of nuclear power in terms of carbon emissions?

  Nuclear power does not release carbon dioxide during operation
• Why is nuclear power considered reliable?

  It generates a lot of electricity exactly when needed
• What is a major disadvantage of nuclear power plants?

  They contain highly dangerous radioactive materials
• What was the consequence of the tsunami that affected a Japanese nuclear power plant in 2011?

  It caused the release of radioactive material and evacuation of over 150,000 people
• What can happen if there is an accident at a nuclear power plant?

  Radioactive materials can be released into the environment
• What must happen to a nuclear power plant at the end of its life?

  It must be decommissioned or dismantled
• What is a challenge associated with decommissioning a nuclear power plant?

  It takes many years and is extremely expensive
• What type of waste is generated during the life and decommissioning of a nuclear power plant?

  Large amounts of highly dangerous radioactive waste
• How long must radioactive waste be stored before it is considered safe?

  For thousands of years
• What are the advantages of generating electricity by nuclear power?

  • Does not release carbon dioxide
  • Extremely reliable in generating electricity
• What are the disadvantages of generating electricity by nuclear power?

  • Contains highly dangerous radioactive materials
  • Risk of environmental contamination in case of accidents
  • Expensive and lengthy decommissioning process
  • Generates large amounts of radioactive waste that must be stored for thousands of years