Advantages of Using Nuclear Power Over Coal:
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Lower Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Nuclear power plants produce minimal greenhouse gas emissions during operation compared to coal-fired plants. This contributes to mitigating climate change and reducing air pollution, which can improve public health and reduce environmental impact.
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Higher Energy Density: Nuclear fuel has a much higher energy density compared to coal. A small amount of nuclear fuel can produce a large amount of energy, meaning nuclear plants require less fuel and land area to generate the same amount of electricity as coal power stations.
Disadvantages of Using Nuclear Power Over Coal:
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Radioactive Waste Management: Nuclear power generates radioactive waste, which poses significant long-term disposal challenges. Safe storage and management of nuclear waste require complex solutions and monitoring for thousands of years, raising concerns about environmental contamination and public safety.
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Nuclear Accidents: Although rare, nuclear accidents (such as Chernobyl and Fukushima) can have devastating local and global consequences. The potential for catastrophic failures and the long-term impacts on human health and the environment make nuclear power a controversial option compared to more conventional energy sources like coal, despite coal's own environmental impacts.