8 February 2021

Advantages and disadvantages of potential energy

Potential energy is stored or conserved in an object or substance. This stored energy is based on the position, arrangement, or state of the object or substance. Nuclear energy is also a form of potential energy So here this article gives information about the advantages and disadvantages of potential energy to better understand this topic.

Pros or Advantages of potential energy:

  • nuclear power is a highly reliable form of energy almost good as other fossil fuels. 
  • The electricity produced from nuclear power is quite low at around 3-5 c/kwh making it very attractive to construct hydro plants.
  • A large amount of nuclear energy can be produced from the fission of radioactive elements like uranium. The costs of nuclear fuel are relatively very low compared to other energy sources like coal and gases.
  • Nuclear power plants have very high load factors in excess of 80% they can generate almost 24/7 and only require shut down for periodic maintenance.
  • Nuclear energy potential is almost infinite compared to the limited and peak features of another form of energy like wind, and oil, gas energy.
  • Nuclear electricity does not produce any GHG emission or cause air pollution from the combustion of fossil fuel, unlike coal, oil, or gas. 

Cons or Disadvantages of potential energy:

  • Nuclear energy and has been repeated 3 times in the last 30 years in Japan, and the USA. the fear of repeat is so great despite all the safety arguments touted by the nuclear equipment operators.
  • Low level of radioactivity from normal operations.
  • Many countries have used the ruse of nuclear international controversy with regard to the Iranian nuclear energy program.
  • High capital investment cost-overruns and long gestation time.
  • The regulations for nuclear energy power plants are many and cumbersome due to the massive risk of a failure of a nuclear reactor.