Nuclear electric power generation. An evaluation of the environmental impact

Over the next 50 years, there are basically five methods of generating electricity available to us: coal, oil, gas, and hydroelectric. This paper examines the environmental impact of these systems to determine which has the least impact on the environment. The entire fuel cycle, beginning with the mining of the fuel, conversion, preparation, delivery, and storage, and on to the plant operations, including land use, water use, noise, odor, and emissions, and finally the waste disposal factors, are considered for each of the five systems. An attempt is made to apply a numerical value to the environmental impact, and establish some ranking. The results show nuclear power in a favorable light, finishing second to natural gas fired plants. 3 figs