Difference Between Coal Energy and Nuclear Energy

Coal Energy vs Nuclear Energy

Coal Energy and Nuclear Energy are two sources of energy. The very fact that people are interested in finding out difference between coal energy and nuclear energy is testimonial to growing concerns over rapid depletion of our coal reserves. We know that coal is a non renewable resource of energy. The reserves of coal found under Earth are a result of fossilization of trees and other living material that has taken millions of years to form. And the rate at which we are using coal to derive energy simply means that we will deplete our coal reserves in another couple of centuries. This is where renewable sources of energy appears to be an attractive proposition. Like solar energy, nuclear energy is also natural and renewable. What is more, a single pellet of uranium, the size of a pencil eraser produces more energy than 6 tons of coal, and even the waste generated can be reused to produce more energy.

There are environmental aspects too. All the coal that is being burnt all over the world to produce energy, leads to emission of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases that have been harming the environment. The average temperature of the surface of the earth has been steadily rising over the last 50 years or so which is known as global warming. It is a result of green house gases and burning of massive amounts of coal for our growing energy needs is partly responsible for it.

Considering all this, nuclear energy, which is a much cleaner source of energy, has emerged as a very attractive alternative. Nuclear energy is a recent phenomenon in comparison to coal energy which the mankind has been using since time immemorial. However, all is not well on this front also. Though there have been much advancement in production of energy through nuclear sources, it is still costly. What is worse is that despite being a clean source of energy (it does not require combustion, so no oxygen required) it is not a very safe way of generating electricity. There are radiation hazards associated with energy generation through nuclear resources and there is also the issue of disposal of radioactive waste. There has been much technological advancement since production of nuclear energy started in 1960’s and the reactors of today are much safer than those of earlier time. France is the number one country in the world as it produces nearly 97% of its energy through nuclear resources.

Even if we accept that there are cons associated with production of nuclear energy, we have to face the truth. If we go on depleting our coal reserves at the rate at which we are doing at present, a time will come when there will be nothing left for our future generations. Also, we would have done incalculable harm to environment as well. It is in our own interest then to make more use of nuclear energy. Scientists all over the world are working in this direction to make nuclear energy safe for mankind.