The existing process to generate nuclear power today uses the isotope uranium-235 which goes through a splitting process, called nuclear fission, and eliminating a large quantity of heat in the process.

The most common uranium isotope found on Earth is the uranium-238 accounting for 99.3% of the substance found on Earth while uranium-235 accounts for 0.7% making it rare. Both isotopes are radioactive and decay over time with a half-life of about 4500 million of years for uranium-238 and a little less for uranium-235.

When the atom of the uranium-235 isotope releases energy from a collision to a neutron, it splits in two on a process called fission, releasing energy in the form of heat. If left uncontrolled, the fission process can be overwhelming, resulting in an atomic explosion, Special rods are added into the reactor to capture some of the neutrons, controlling the fission process.

From a power generation perspective, the nuclear power plant is similar to a coal power plant. The heat is used to turn water into vapor which is then used to turn the turbines to generate electricity,

These types of power plants emit no carbon but there are disadvantages such as:

-        The uranium mining contaminates the environment with arsenic and radon.

-        They create thermal pollution in the vicinity of the power plant.

-        Uranium is not renewable and requires constant replenishment.

-        They create radioactive waste which is toxic and remains harmful for thousands of years.

-        They use a large quantity of water to cool.

-        They pose a risk of catastrophic results, even though the chances are minimal.