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10 Sustainability
back up in equal measure by the plants that are grown to produce the biomass.
While this energy source may be renewable, it is unlikely that we can provide energy
consistently enough for it to be used as a sole energy source.
This gives a small snapshot of the types of renewable and sustainable energy
sources that we have at our disposal. While they all have various advantages and
disadvantages, it is most likely the incorporation of several types of energy that will
provide us with the energy that we require, while still being green and sustainable.
There is, however, another type of clean and ultimately infinite source of energy
that is highly efficient in its production, but that has produced a significant amount
of controversy.
Nuclear energy can be obtained from an atom. These are very small particles,
which make up everything throughout the universe and large amounts of energy
are found within the bonds holding these atoms together. Through the processes of
nuclear fusion (where energy is released when two atoms are fused to make a larger
particle atom) or nuclear fission (energy release when atoms are split), a nuclear
power plant can produce electricity. However, large amount of nuclear radiation is
released during these processes, which has led to significant environmental concerns
from the production of this energy. Waste disposal is one primary concern. Burying
the irradiated waste is one option, however, this can cause serious ecological
consequences as the radiation may seep into local water supplies and intoxicate local
wildlife as well as ecosystems (Kaygusuz 2012). Other methods of waste disposal
are being explored, such as ejecting the waste into space. Additionally, there are
numerous safety concerns using nuclear energy, as is evidence from history, through
incidences such as the Chernobyl nuclear disaster in Ukraine. However, nuclear
power is becoming safer and once these environmental concerns are addressed,
it could be the future of both sustainable and renewable energy. Nuclear energy
could also be completely renewable if the source of uranium changes from ore
mining to seawater. For example, China, USA, and Japan are competing to be the
first countries to ensure that nuclear energy is completely renewable. The rationale
behind making nuclear energy renewable is that uranium in seawater cannot be
exhausted.
What are the disadvantages of nuclear energy sources? How can we tackle the
cost challenge associated with many sustainable sources of energy?
10.4.2.6 Manufacturing
Manufacturing has historically been an extremely unsustainable area. Following the
industrial revolution and the commencement of fossil fuels as a means of energy,
the manufacturing industry has boomed. With its boom has come a number of
environmental issues, many of which still remain unaddressed. Cleaning agents used
10 Sustainability
back up in equal measure by the plants that are grown to produce the biomass.
While this energy source may be renewable, it is unlikely that we can provide energy
consistently enough for it to be used as a sole energy source.
This gives a small snapshot of the types of renewable and sustainable energy
sources that we have at our disposal. While they all have various advantages and
disadvantages, it is most likely the incorporation of several types of energy that will
provide us with the energy that we require, while still being green and sustainable.
There is, however, another type of clean and ultimately infinite source of energy
that is highly efficient in its production, but that has produced a significant amount
of controversy.
Nuclear energy can be obtained from an atom. These are very small particles,
which make up everything throughout the universe and large amounts of energy
are found within the bonds holding these atoms together. Through the processes of
nuclear fusion (where energy is released when two atoms are fused to make a larger
particle atom) or nuclear fission (energy release when atoms are split), a nuclear
power plant can produce electricity. However, large amount of nuclear radiation is
released during these processes, which has led to significant environmental concerns
from the production of this energy. Waste disposal is one primary concern. Burying
the irradiated waste is one option, however, this can cause serious ecological
consequences as the radiation may seep into local water supplies and intoxicate local
wildlife as well as ecosystems (Kaygusuz 2012). Other methods of waste disposal
are being explored, such as ejecting the waste into space. Additionally, there are
numerous safety concerns using nuclear energy, as is evidence from history, through
incidences such as the Chernobyl nuclear disaster in Ukraine. However, nuclear
power is becoming safer and once these environmental concerns are addressed,
it could be the future of both sustainable and renewable energy. Nuclear energy
could also be completely renewable if the source of uranium changes from ore
mining to seawater. For example, China, USA, and Japan are competing to be the
first countries to ensure that nuclear energy is completely renewable. The rationale
behind making nuclear energy renewable is that uranium in seawater cannot be
exhausted.
What are the disadvantages of nuclear energy sources? How can we tackle the
cost challenge associated with many sustainable sources of energy?
10.4.2.6 Manufacturing
Manufacturing has historically been an extremely unsustainable area. Following the
industrial revolution and the commencement of fossil fuels as a means of energy,
the manufacturing industry has boomed. With its boom has come a number of
environmental issues, many of which still remain unaddressed. Cleaning agents used