Nuclear energy has huge potential as a clean and sustainable alternative energy source. However, many challenges and fears still stand in the way of its widespread adoption.
So, what are the risks of using this energy source? Let’s dive in and find out.
What Is Nuclear Energy?
Nuclear energy is the energy stored in an atom’s nucleus. The nucleus (protons and neutrons) contains an enormous amount of energy that can be released through two main processes:
- Fission: splitting heavy atomic nuclei
- Fusion: combining light atomic nuclei
Currently, all nuclear power plants (NPPs) in the world use fission reactions, while fusion technology is still in the research and development phase.
Nuclear energy accounts for about 9–10% of global electricity. Some countries rely heavily on it as one of their primary energy sources.
The most notable example is France, where around 62% of electricity comes from nuclear power. Other countries like the United States, China, Russia, and South Korea also have major nuclear programs, with hundreds of active reactors meeting national energy needs.
Read More: The Crucial Role of Alternative Electricity Sources in Shaping Our Future
How Does Nuclear Energy Generate Electricity?
Turning nuclear energy into electricity involves a complex process, but the basic principle is a controlled chain reaction inside a nuclear reactor.
The Basics of Nuclear Fission
Nuclear fission is the splitting of a heavy atomic nucleus, such as uranium-235, into smaller nuclei after being hit by a neutron.
This process releases energy in the form of heat and radiation, and emits 2–3 additional neutrons. These neutrons trigger a rapid chain reaction.
The heat from fission is used to heat water or a cooling medium, producing high-pressure steam.
Components of a Nuclear Power Plant
A nuclear power plant consists of three main components:
- Reactor: where the controlled fission chain reaction occurs
- Turbine: powered by high-pressure steam generated from reactor heat
- Generator: converts the turbine’s kinetic energy into electricity
This process is similar to fossil fuel power plants, but the heat source comes from nuclear reactions instead of burning coal or gas.
Read More: What Is Decarbonization and Why Must We Shift to Clean Energy?
What Are the Advantages of Nuclear Energy?
Nuclear energy offers several benefits that make it a strategic energy source in the era of energy transition.
NPPs produce almost no carbon emissions during operation, making them one of the cleanest power generation technologies.
Indonesia itself has not yet operated a nuclear power plant (PLTN) to generate electricity. However, the government has taken significant preparatory steps, officially including nuclear power plants in the national energy plan until 2060. The first nuclear power plant project with a capacity of 500 MW is currently being prepared, with a focus on developing regulations, determining potential sites, and exploring partnerships with foreign investors. This demonstrates that, although its utilization is still in its early stages, nuclear power is now an integral part of Indonesia’s energy strategy to achieve its future clean energy targets.
They also provide large-scale, continuous electricity production without depending on weather conditions like solar or wind power. This makes nuclear energy a reliable source to meet growing demands.
Read More: Why Alternative Energy Sources Are Crucial for Our Future!
Risks and Challenges of Nuclear Energy
Despite its advantages, such as high efficiency and low carbon emissions, nuclear energy comes with significant risks and challenges.
One major concern is the potential for reactor accidents that could release radiation into the environment, as seen in the Chernobyl and Fukushima disasters.
These incidents pose severe threats to human health and cause long-term environmental contamination that is extremely difficult to remediate.
Another major issue is radioactive waste management. Spent nuclear fuel remains highly dangerous and requires secure storage in special facilities for thousands of years.
Although the volume of waste is relatively small compared to fossil fuel waste, its management demands advanced technology, strict regulations, and long-term monitoring.
This complexity adds technical and financial burdens for countries looking to adopt nuclear power.
Other challenges include high construction costs and long development timelines. Building an NPP typically requires billions of dollars and an average of 5–10 years to complete.
Read More: Top Benefits of Natural Gas, More Than Just Low Emissions
LNG: A More Practical Energy Solution
Amid the challenges of developing low-emission energy, Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) has emerged as a practical solution to meet national energy needs in the medium term.
In Indonesia, LNG facilities are already operating to supply energy across regions, enabling the use of natural gas quickly without waiting for new technologies to be built.
Compared to nuclear energy, LNG offers several key advantages:
- Shorter construction time, around 2–3 years
- Lower initial investment
- Greater flexibility, usable in power plants, industry, and transportation
With these benefits, LNG serves as a realistic transition fuel toward a cleaner energy future, while we wait for broader adoption of renewable energy and advanced nuclear technologies.
References:
- IAEA. Accessed 2025. What is Nuclear Energy? The Science of Nuclear Power
- NCBI. Accessed 2025. Is Nuclear Energy the Solution?
- ESDM. Accessed 2025. Nuklir Jadi Energi Alternatif Tekan Emisi Karbon
