Nuclear energy, also known as atomic energy, is obtained through the fission or fusion of the atoms that make up a material. That is, it is the energy source generated from the nuclear separation of the atoms of the chemical element known as uranium, specifically U-235, which is the most useful and used for these purposes.
The process of obtaining this energy is based on taking advantage of uranium to produce heat, in order to boil water to obtain steam that moves the turbines that generate electricity.
Below we show you why nuclear energy is important for life, industry, for the planet and the world economy.
Importance of nuclear energy in living beings
Although this type of energy is famous for its negative connotations, due to movies about radioactive accidents and disasters, the reality is that nuclear energy has multiple benefits for living beings.
nuclear power is reliable, controllable and widely available, many experts express that it is the only energy that is capable of guaranteeing the energy supply throughout the world.
Importance of nuclear energy in humans
Nuclear energy is very broad and knowledge and techniques are derived from it that allow multiple benefits for human beings.
Nuclear reactions not only generate electricity, but also beneficial applications such as nuclear medicine that is used to diagnose and treat diseases.
Its most common use is in radiology, tomography, radiotracers and scans.
Likewise, there are other important uses in very diverse sectors such as hydrology, mining, industry and space exploration.
Importance for nature and the ecosystem
Nuclear plants generate electricity without emitting greenhouse gases, which is very positive for nature. It does not contribute to global warming and is an alternative to fossil fuels.
Importance of nuclear power as renewable energy
Although theoretically it is known as a non-renewable energy, in practice this energy source is practically inexhaustible, because there are large reserves of uranium, which will allow us to produce this energy for thousands of years.
In this sense, the production through it is continuous, because a nuclear power plant generates electricity all year round at a constant rate.
A simple example is that reactors generate power almost 93% of the time, while wind and solar produce 37% and 26%, respectively.
Another advantage is that energy production does not depend on external or natural factors, unlike many renewables. This condition favors maintaining planning in electricity generation based on consumption.
Importance of nuclear energy in agriculture
Nuclear energy is applied in agriculture in different ways, among which stand out the radiation techniques to control pests and diseases in crops, increase production rates in livestock and agriculture, protect land and water resources, in addition to ensure the safety and authenticity of food.
In the same way, there are specialized care and assistance programs in the improvement of crops in the most vulnerable countries so that they can guarantee food security and so that they can adapt to climate change.
Importance of nuclear energy in construction
The construction of a nuclear power plant is a civil work with a high initial investment and the construction sector will have a titanic productive activity for a long time that will generate employment opportunities.
Importance in the economy of the countries of the world
The installation of a nuclear power plant requires an expensive initial investment, but its power generation is very cheap.
It is calculated that the cost of production through uranium represents barely 20% of the economic value of the energy generated.
Currently there are 444 nuclear power reactors worldwide, in addition 54 are being built and 111 are in planning.
The United States uses 19% of its electricity from this energy from 97 nuclear reactors.
While France has 72% of electrical energy from nuclear power plants. It produces so much electricity that it can export it to Italy and Spain.