Fossil Fuels, Non-Renewable and Renewable

Nuclear power:

Advantages:

• No greenhouse gases

• Much more energy is transferred from each kilogram of uranium fuel than fossil fuel

Disadvantages:

• Used fuel rods contain radioactive waste, which has to be stored safely for centuries

• Nuclear reactors are safe in normal operation, however an explosion in a reactor could increase radioactive material over a wide area

Renewable energy sources and the environment:

Advantages:

• They will never run out because they are always being replenished by natural processes

• They do not produce greenhouse gases or acid rain

• They do not create radioactive waste product

Disadvantages:

• Renewable energy resources are not currently able to meet the world demand

• Wind turbines create a whining noise that can upset people nearby

• Tidal barrages affect river estuaries and the habitat of creatures and plants there