How Renewable Is Nuclear Fission? A Life-Cycle Analysis
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Renewable energy is the generation of energy from sources that are flow-limited, naturally replenishing, and virtually inexhaustible. Nuclear energy is often lumped into this discussion because it is a clean energy substitute for fossil fuels. But this doesn’t mean it is also renewable. So, we had to ask: How renewable is nuclear fission?
Overall, nuclear fission is not considered to be renewable energy. Uranium is a finite material that is not replenished naturally. Renewable energy is naturally replenishing, virtually inexhaustible, and limited in the amount of energy available at one time.
Keep reading to learn how renewable nuclear fission is throughout its life cycle, what its carbon footprint is, what role it plays in combating climate change, and how safe or dangerous it is.
Here’s How Renewable Nuclear Fission Is
Nuclear fission, one of two ways to produce nuclear energy, is the generation of energy produced when splitting apart the nucleus of an atom.
“Nuclear fission: a nuclear reaction in which a heavy nucleus splits spontaneously or on impact with another particle, with the release of energy.”
Cambridge Dictionary
All operating nuclear power plants today utilize the process of nuclear fission. Because of this, nuclear fission is commonly referred to as ‘nuclear energy’ in the data and literature.
Nuclear fission has become one of our most advanced and widespread energy technologies, but it is not considered to be renewable. Renewable energy sources are flow-limited, naturally replenishing, virtually inexhaustible, and limited in the amount of energy available in a set amount of time.
“Renewable Energy: energy that is produced using the sun, wind, etc., or from crops, rather than using fuels such as oil or coal | types of energy that can be replaced naturally such as energy produced from wind or water”
Cambridge Dictionary
Given the worsening climate crisis, renewable energy has to come to represent a larger share of the overall energy market.
To understand how renewable nuclear fission is, we must assess its life cycle and each stage’s carbon footprint. This life-cycle assessment (LCA) is a method to evaluate the environmental impacts of products and materials. Over the years, companies have strategically used LCA to research and create more renewable products. So, let’s have a look at the LCA of nuclear fission!
| How renewable is nuclear fission overall | Overall, nuclear fission is not renewable because Uranium is a finite material and is not continuously replenished by nature at a rate faster than we can deplete it. |
| Building of nuclear fission | This initial stage of nuclear fission is not considered to be renewable because it involves constructing, not repurposing or reusing. |
| Operating and maintaining of nuclear fission | This stage is not considered to be renewable because Uranium is a finite material, and we will eventually run out of it. |
| Building back of nuclear fission | Spent (used) nuclear fuel can theoretically be recycled and repurposed into new fuel and byproducts, but this method is not currently widely used. |
How Renewable Is Nuclear Fission Overall
Overall, nuclear fission is not renewable because Uranium is a finite material and is not continuously replenished by nature at a rate faster than we can deplete it.
How Renewable Is the Building of Nuclear Fission
The building stage of nuclear fission includes constructing the power plant, mining and processing the uranium, and transporting the processed nuclear fuel to the power plant.
This initial stage of nuclear fission is not considered to be renewable because it involves constructing, not repurposing or reusing.
A nuclear fission power plant has many components including containment buildings, reactor vessels, steam lines, pumps, turbines, generators, transformers, and cooling towers, all of which come with their own carbon footprint and resulting greenhouse gas emissions.
How Renewable Is the Operating and Maintaining of Nuclear Fission
The operating and maintaining stage of nuclear fission includes the process by which the nucleus of an atom is split apart to generate energy.
This stage is not considered to be renewable because Uranium is a finite material and is not continuously replenished by nature at a rate faster than we can deplete it.
Nuclear power plants use the second most common isotope of Uranium (U-235) which has a relative abundance of only 0.7%. And most of the original U-235 on earth has already decayed because it has a half-life of about 700 million years.
Although nuclear power plants use only tiny amounts of Uranium in the fission process and can be used as a reliable energy source for decades to come, we will still run out at some point. And once we run out of Uranium-235, we won’t be able to generate the nuclear fission reaction anymore.
How Renewable Is the Building Back of Nuclear Fission
The building back stage of nuclear fission involves decommissioning the nuclear facility and restoring/repurposing the land, a process that can take up to 60 years.
Spent (used) nuclear fuel can theoretically be recycled and repurposed into new fuel and byproducts, but this method is not currently widely used. France is one of the very few countries that recycle their fuel, with 10% of their nuclear electricity being generated by recycled materials.
More than 90% of nuclear fuel’s potential energy remains even after 5 years of use in a nuclear reactor. Therefore, increasing our capacity to recycle it could increase the overall renewability of nuclear fission, although it will never be fully renewable.
What Is the Carbon Footprint of Nuclear Fission
The carbon footprint is one of the ways we measure the effects of human-induced global climate change. It primarily focuses on the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with consumption and includes other emissions such as methane (CH4), nitrous oxide, and chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs).
“Carbon footprint: the amount of greenhouse gasses and specifically carbon dioxide emitted by something (such as a person’s activities or a product’s manufacture and transport) during a given period”
Merriam Webster
Although nuclear fission emits little to no GHG emissions upon operation, there are emissions associated with other stages of its life cycle including manufacturing, transportation, installation, maintenance, decommissioning, and dismantlement of materials.
On a life-cycle basis, nuclear fission emits 12 grams of CO2 equivalent per kilowatt-hour (kWh) of electricity produced, which is tied for the third-lowest out of all energy types.
Have a look at the illustration below to see the average life-cycle CO2 equivalent emissions of different energy sources and how they compare to nuclear fission.
How Can Nuclear Fission Help Mitigate Climate Change
Climate change is a severe, long-term consequence of fossil fuel combustion. If left untreated, atmospheric CO2 can remain there for tens of thousands of years and exacerbate the negative effects of climate change. Nuclear fission emits less CO2 upon operation than fossil fuels and can therefore reduce our total emissions.
How is Climate Change Defined
Climate change is arguably the most severe, long-term global impact of CO2. Every year, we emit approximately 37 billion tons of CO2. The carbon found in fossil fuels reacts with oxygen in the air to produce CO2.
“Climate change: changes in the earth’s weather, including changes in temperature, wind patterns, and rainfall, especially the increase in the temperature of the earth’s atmosphere that is caused by the increase of particular gasses, especially carbon dioxide.”
Oxford Dictionary
When carbon enters the atmosphere, it absorbs sunlight and solar radiation, trapping the heat and acting as an insulator for the planet.
Since the Industrial Revolution, Earth’s temperature has risen a little more than 1 degree Celsius (°C), or 2 degrees Fahrenheit (°F). Between 1880-1980 the global temperature rose by 0.07°C every 10 years. This rate has more than doubled since 1981, with a current global annual temperature rise of 0.18°C, or 0.32°F, for every 10 years.
How Does Nuclear Fission Specifically Help Mitigate Climate Change
The global average concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere today registers at over 400 parts per million, the highest ever recorded. Nuclear fission can help lower this concentration because it can replace some of the burning of fossil fuels (e.g., coal, oil, natural gas) with a cleaner form of renewable energy.
Nuclear energy helps to avoid 1.5 gigatons of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions per year and 180 billion cubic meters of global gas demand per year. In the past 50 years, nuclear energy has helped avoid over 70 gigatons of GHG emissions.
Increasing nuclear fission energy usage can reduce CO2 emissions, and the more we reduce CO2 emissions, the more we combat the negative effects associated with climate change including temperature rise, sea-level rise, ice melting, and ocean acidification. When these rates are slowed, the earth’s biodiversity does not have to struggle to adapt to temperature and pH changes. People will not be displaced due to the flooding of coastal areas. And icebergs will continue to provide climate regulation.
How Clean Is Nuclear Fission
Overall, nuclear fission is considered to be clean energy.
“Clean energy: energy, as electricity or nuclear power, that does not pollute the atmosphere when used, as opposed to coal and oil”
Collins Dictionary
Nuclear fission energy produces virtually no greenhouse gasses or any other kind of environmental pollution upon its operation.
| How clean is the building of nuclear fission | Emissions at this stage occur when constructing the power plant, mining the uranium, and transporting the processed nuclear fuel to the power plant. |
| How clean is the operating and maintaining of nuclear fission | There are very few CO2 emissions or waste products associated with operating and maintaining nuclear fission, making this stage very clean. |
| How clean is the building back of nuclear fission | Emissions at this final stage occur when utilizing construction equipment to decommission nuclear sites, demolish buildings, restore the surrounding land, and construct new buildings in the old nuclear power plant’s place. |
How Sustainable Is Nuclear Fission
Overall, nuclear fission is not considered to be sustainable energy.
“Sustainable: The ability to be maintained at a certain rate or level | Avoidance of the depletion of natural resources in order to maintain an ecological balance”
Oxford Dictionary
Nuclear fission is more sustainable than other forms of energy, but it is still a nonrenewable resource that is minimally recyclable.
| How sustainable is the building of nuclear fission | Uranium, the building block of nuclear fission, is extremely energy-dense and is more sustainable than other energy sources, such as fossil fuels. |
| How sustainable is the operating and maintaining of nuclear fission | This stage is not considered to be sustainable because although it is incredibly efficient, Uranium is a finite material and is not continuously replenished by nature at a rate faster than we can deplete it. |
| How sustainable is the building back of nuclear fission | Spent (used) nuclear fuel can theoretically be recycled and repurposed into new fuel and byproducts, but this method is not currently widely used. |
How Green Is Nuclear Fission
Overall, nuclear fission is not considered to be green energy.
“Green Energy: energy that can be produced in a way that protects the natural environment, for example by using wind, water, or the sun”
Cambridge Dictionary
Nuclear fission has a low to zero-emissions profile, but it is also a nonrenewable resource that can have significant, negative effects on the environment.
| How green is the building of nuclear fission | This stage is not considered to be green because of the negative environmental effects associated with uranium mining. |
| How green is the operating and maintaining of nuclear fission | This stage is considered to be green because minimal emissions are produced, and nuclear accidents are rare occurrences in the overall history of nuclear energy. |
| How green is the building back of nuclear fission | This stage is not considered to be green because the process of shutting down nuclear fission plants is expensive, labor-intensive, time-consuming, and can come with health and safety risks. |
How Environmentally Friendly Is Nuclear Fission
Overall, nuclear fission is not considered to be environmentally friendly.
“Environmentally friendly: (of products) not harming the environment.”
Cambridge Dictionary
Nuclear fission varies in environmental friendliness. The operating and maintenance stage is more environmentally friendly when compared to the building and building back stages.
| How environmentally friendly is the building of nuclear fission | This stage is not considered to be environmentally friendly because of the negative environmental effects associated with uranium mining and nuclear waste. |
| How environmentally friendly is the operating and maintaining of nuclear fission | This stage is considered to be environmentally friendly because minimal emissions are produced, and nuclear accidents are rare occurrences in the overall history of nuclear energy. |
| How environmentally friendly is the building back of nuclear fission | This stage varies in environmental friendliness. Essentially, the smaller the nuclear facility, the more environmentally friendly the building back stage is considered. |
How Safe or Dangerous Is Nuclear Fission
Overall, nuclear fission is considered to be minimally dangerous. Holistically and throughout its life cycle, fission is safe and beneficial for human and animal health, the environment, and the energy grid. It is also significantly safer than fossil fuels and some other types of renewable energy.
Here’s How Safe Nuclear Fission Is
Overall, nuclear fission is a safe form of energy regarding human and animal health, the environment, the energy grid, and throughout all stages of its life cycle.
| How Safe Is Nuclear Fission at a Holistic Level | Human and Animal Health: Nuclear fission is considered safe when it comes to human and animal health due to the rarity of nuclear accidents in fission’s overall history. Environment: Nuclear fission emits minimal greenhouse gas emissions and has a minimal effect on the environment, provided that proper siting of nuclear facilities and disposal of nuclear waste occurs. Energy Grid and Infrastructure: Nuclear fission is not only safe, but it is also a beneficial addition to our energy grid and supporting infrastructure. Human and Animal Health: Nuclear fission is considered safe when it comes to human and animal health due to the rarity of nuclear accidents in fission’s overall history. Environment: Nuclear fission emits minimal greenhouse gas emissions and has a minimal effect on the environment, provided that proper siting of nuclear facilities and disposal of nuclear waste occurs. Energy Grid and Infrastructure: Nuclear fission is not only safe, but it is also a beneficial addition to our energy grid and supporting infrastructure. |
| How Safe Is Nuclear Fission Across Its Life-Cycle | Building: Safe work practices and proper training can mitigate the risks associated with the building stage of nuclear fission. Operating and Maintaining: Nuclear fission is generally considered safe to operate and maintain if proper precautionary measures are followed. Building Back: This final stage is considered to be safe overall, with the hazard of handling, containing, and disposing of spent nuclear fuel able to be mitigated with proper procedures and safe work practices. |
| How Safe Is Nuclear Fission In Comparison to Other Types of Energy | Nuclear fission is one of our safest forms of energy that has one of the lowest death rates from accidents and air pollution per unit of electricity generation. |
Here’s How Dangerous Nuclear Fission Is
Overall, nuclear fission is considered minimally dangerous in terms of human and animal health, the environment, the energy grid, and through all stages of its life cycle.
| How Dangerous Is Nuclear Fission Overall | Overall, nuclear fission is considered minimally dangerous in terms of human and animal health, the environment, the energy grid, and through all stages of its life cycle. |
| How Dangerous Is Nuclear Fission at a Holistic Level | Human and Animal Health: Nuclear fission can be dangerous to human and animal health if proper measures are not in place. Environment: Nuclear fission is minimally dangerous to the environment, provided that proper siting of nuclear facilities and disposal of nuclear waste occurs. Energy Grid and Infrastructure: Nuclear fission is not considered to be dangerous to our energy grid and supporting infrastructure. |
| How Dangerous Is Nuclear Fission Across Its Life-Cycle | Building: Nuclear power plant construction and uranium mining come with risks involving radiation exposure. Operating and Maintaining: The uncontrolled release of radioactive material is the main concern associated with operating nuclear fission. Building Back: Decommissioning nuclear facilities comes with risks involving direct contact with spent nuclear fuel. |
| How Dangerous Is Nuclear Fission in Comparison to Other Types of Energy | Nuclear fission is one of our safest forms of energy that has one of the lowest death rates from accidents and air pollution per unit of electricity generation. |
Final Thoughts
Overall, nuclear fission is not renewable because Uranium is a finite material and is not continuously replenished by nature at a rate faster than we can deplete it. Spent nuclear fuel can be recycled and repurposed, but this practice is only currently used by a few countries.
But this doesn’t mean we shouldn’t use nuclear fission. It faces an uncertain future but could see growth in the future as we look to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate global warming. As we look towards a future powered by clean energy, increasing nuclear fission installed capacity should be in the conversation because of its carbon reduction potential.
Stay impactful,
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