Nuclear power is the best source of reliable electricity for the future. Regardless how this method is measured, nuclear power consistently beats its competition. The three major requirements for a dependable energy source are that the source is sustainable, affordable and environmentally friendly. Nuclear energy is all three of these, while other sources fall short.

    The possibility of exhausting the current method of energy production is one of the greatest obstacles society faces. Currently, the U.S. meets its energy demands primarily from fossil fuels. These forms of energy, when first harnessed, were considered to be virtually unlimited and are what made America the great industrial nation it is today. However, as the rest of the globe continues to catch up to the United States industrially, the consumption of these finite fuel sources has skyrocketed. Coal and oil are becoming increasingly scarce, and it has become clear that these previously great natural resources are not capable of providing the world with electricity for much longer. Conversely, nuclear energy is an abundant power source, which can propel the global needs of the future for many years to come. Some estimates predict over 100 years of supply plus new breeder technology, which can better utilize uranium.

    A common misunderstanding among political and industrial leaders is the failure to recognize that the world does not rely on energy; instead, it relies on inexpensive energy. The reason fossil fuels became so successful was due to their very economical price. Over the years, though, the market has continually favored the oil and coal providers against the consumer. Increased global demand for these formerly inexpensive fuels has pushed electricity prices to all time highs. On top of all that, new laws repeatedly raise taxes on fossil fuels. In order to avoid this economic crisis, the world must make the switch to alternative sources of electricity. Some people believe the answer is solar and wind power. These sources of energy are incredibly impractical and unreliable. They produce far too little and cost far too much. Once again, the best solution is to generate electricity via nuclear energy. According to the Nuclear energy Institute, electricity generated from nuclear power is less expensive than petroleum, gas and even coal.

    Nuclear power is a sustainable and affordable method of generating reliable electricity, but the energy of the future must also be environmentally friendly. Another substantial concern about coal and oil energy production is their contribution to air pollution. In recent years, especially the last decade, one of the hottest political debates has been global warming, whether or not it is a natural phenomenon or if it is manmade. Regardless of what is responsible for climate change, the future of how electricity is generated will be affected by this debate. Many people fear that dirty methods of production fill the atmosphere with heat-trapping greenhouse gas emissions, such as carbon dioxide. Luckily, nuclear power produces virtually no air pollution, and once more proves itself a feasible energy source of the future. In fact, from 1995 to 2008 the U.S. nuclear industry alone has avoided emitting over 9 billion metric tons of CO2 into the atmosphere.

    The debates over which method of generating reliable electricity for our future will continue to develop and evolve as new technologies are discovered. However, as it stands, nuclear power is definitely leading the competition. So far, atomic energy is the only source which is both sustainable and affordable, while at the same time environmentally conscientious.