This blog post examines whether nuclear power can become an energy resource for humanity’s sustainable future or if it remains a risk factor requiring caution.
When discussing the future of nuclear power generation, it is crucial to understand its advantages and disadvantages in a balanced manner. Nuclear power is a stable energy source and can play a vital role, particularly in the fight against global warming. By replacing fossil fuels while emitting almost no greenhouse gases, it occupies an important position in international efforts to reduce carbon emissions. For example, France relies on nuclear power for about 70% of its electricity, which has significantly contributed to the country’s substantial reduction in carbon emissions.
However, the core of the debate surrounding nuclear energy is its inherent risks. Nuclear power plants use radioactive materials, meaning a failure in safety management could lead to a major catastrophe. Accidents like Chernobyl and Fukushima have globally highlighted the dangers of nuclear power, leaving lingering fears about nuclear power generation. These incidents underscore the critical importance of safety management at nuclear power plants. Particularly, the issue of radioactive waste disposal remains an unresolved challenge. Since radioactive waste remains hazardous for extremely long periods, safely processing and storing it is a key challenge.
For these reasons, opposition to nuclear power continues to persist. Some countries are pursuing policies to reduce or completely phase out nuclear power, aiming to transition to renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and hydroelectric power. Germany, for instance, set the goal of closing all nuclear power plants by 2022 and transitioning to renewable energy, a process strongly influenced by the public’s negative perception of nuclear power. However, this process also revealed the practical challenge that securing stable energy solely through renewable sources is difficult. This is a crucial aspect to consider when discussing alternatives to nuclear power.
Nuclear power holds significance beyond being merely an energy source. It symbolizes science and technology and serves as a vital tool for solving future energy challenges. Improving nuclear safety is one of the primary focuses for engineers today. Multi-layered protective systems to prevent radioactive leaks and technologies ensuring stable operation even under extreme conditions are continuously being developed. Furthermore, small modular reactors (SMRs), a new generation of reactors, are evaluated as offering safer and more flexible operation than existing nuclear power plants. This technology enables efficient energy production while reducing plant size and minimizing risk factors.
Among various research efforts to solve future energy problems is nuclear fusion energy. While current nuclear power generation uses nuclear fission to produce energy, nuclear fusion generates energy through the same principle as the reactions occurring in the sun. This offers the advantages of producing almost no radioactive waste and having abundant fuel sources. However, due to technical challenges, it has not yet reached the commercialization stage. Nevertheless, many countries worldwide are jointly dedicated to fusion research. South Korea is also striving for the commercialization of this technology through its experimental fusion reactor, KSTAR. This could become a crucial breakthrough to solve the energy challenges humanity will face in the coming decades.
Ultimately, the future of nuclear power depends on how we manage and utilize it. Using nuclear power safely and peacefully through a cautious and ethical approach will be a critical task for both the current and future generations. Even at this very moment, scientists and engineers are constantly researching ways to maximize the benefits of nuclear power while minimizing its drawbacks. Nuclear power is a powerful energy source for humanity, but it also comes with significant responsibility. How we handle this technology could shape humanity’s future, and we must develop it in the right direction.
