Nuclear and Methyl/Methane Hydrates

Fission

the bombardment of nuclei to split the nucleus of an atom and in doing so releases stored energy from within the nucleus

Fusion

the merging of two nuclei together that forms heavier nuclei and in doing so releases energy. Natural reaction within a star.

How do nuclear power plants produce energy through the use of fission

Fuel rods which contain the enriched Uranium pellets are placed in a reactor and a nuclear chain reaction occurs in which particles bombard the nucleus of an atom and split the nucleus emitting radiation in the form of energy and additional particles.

Nuclear energy advantages

Does not produce GHGs, considering other energy forms relatively little land space needed for plant

Nuclear energy disadvantages

Produces large amount of radioactive waste, waste has a long half-life (it will be radioactive for a very long period of time - half-life of Uranium-235 is around 4.5 billion years), when disasters do occur they are catastrophic

Nuclear energy human health effects

Ionizing radiation exposure in small doses is a carcinogen (skin/bone), in large doses can cause death, possible teratogen

Countries with most nuclear energy

US, France, Russia

Methane hydrates

Molecules of methane surrounded by a cage of water molecules in a frozen state

Methane hydrates environmental impact

Due to their location they can destabilize a part of a continental shelf and cause underwater landslides. These landslides can cover immense portions of the ocean floor which can destroy habitat and decrease food sources for predators.

Methane hydrates economic impact

It is estimated that the reserves of methyl hydrates exceeds the combined reserves of all other fossil fuels. This could lead to a decrease in overall price for energy produced from fossil fuels.