Nuclear power plants are based on obtaining energy out of the nuclear fission reaction.

The nuclear fission reaction that nuclear power is based on works in the following way:

heavy nucleus+neutron => 2 lighter nuclei + 3 neutrons + gamma radiation + energy

This reaction produces a lot of energy - about 7.6MeV. It is known as a chain reaction, because it produces more neutrons that create the next reaction.

Nuclear power plants have a very high energy production rate. The most efficient ones have a power of 8000MW.

This technology is still rapidly developing. With time it will become more efficient and safe. There are also experiments about using other kinds of nuclear reactions (like fusion).

Nuclear power plants are not as harmful for the environment as the ones based on fossil fuels. They do not emit carbon dioxide and many other contaminating substances that the fossil fuel plants do.

The nuclear fission reaction has to be controlled, otherwise it will emit too much energy and cause disaster. It is therefore essential to build the power plants in safe locations and ensure that it is controlled properly.

Nuclear power plants produce radioactive waste that is harmful to the environment. Currently there is no technology that could allow us to utilize this waste. However it has to be said that such technology is being worked on and should be available in the future.

Many people are afraid of nuclear power plants due to the catastrophes that has happened in the past. Such disasters take a big toll on the environment in a large range.

It is recommended to consider the following points when deciding to build a nuclear power-plant:

• The location has to be approved by experts in terms of safety. It should be an area free from natural disasters, harsh climate and possible war zones.
• The power plant has to be equipped with mechanisms controlling the chain reaction. These can be based on dissipating some of the energy of neutrons or eliminating the surplus of them.
• The nuclear power plant has its own emergency energy source.
• The employees must have the right training.
• The power plant is equipped with the sensors that would provide the employees with the essential measurements.
• There has to be a well isolated space for the waste storage that would not be harmful for the environment.

The nuclear power plant produces much more energy than the renewable sources. It is not good for the environment, but still better than the coal or oil power stations that are widely used today. Hence it can be said that the nuclear power plant is the best of non-renewable solutions thus far. It is to be recommended if it fulfills all the conditions from the previous point, but should not replace the renewable sources that are the main recommendation for the future energy production.