Nuclear energy is by far the best energy source that we currently can harness and use. As an energy source, it is often forgotten, lost in the shadows of other supposed “clean energy” like solar panels and wind turbines. Most commonly, this is due in part to the idea that nuclear is not safe. Whether through the use of a few outlier situations that have ended poorly in a so-called “perfect storm” or because of political advocates fear-mongering and exploiting stories of radiation exposure leading to early death or cancer. 

The truth is that nuclear is not only the most efficient and cheapest option, but it produces less toxic by-products than solar panels do. Yes, you read that correctly. Solar panels, while they may not produce minimal toxic materials during use, construction of the solar panels produce toxic metal by-products. When combined with their poor efficiency when you analyze the amount of waste per unit of energy, nuclear wins out drastically. 

The other main argument against nuclear energy is that it is not safe. No one wants to end up like Chernobyl or any other catastrophe. This is again a failed attempt to discredit something based on an outlier. You would not use hand sanitizer because of the .1% of germs that are leftover, right? In reality, nuclear power has been integral to maintaining the strength of our national defense as it has been the key power source for all of our current submarines. A bunch of American heroes trapped in a floating metal container hundreds of feet underwater cruising along with a nuclear reactor not only operating near them but also saving their lives as it powers all of the integral systems onboard. This has been the case for 40+ years. In that entire stretch, there has not once been an issue attributed to the usage of nuclear power.  

If that is not enough of an example that pertains to everyday life, look to France. As a country that has fully embraced nuclear energy as a power source, they benefited from the switch so much that they have an energy surplus. They are also importing energy to surrounding countries (such as Germany, who embraced solar and wind power, coincident? I think not.). Before we go and disqualify or try to shift away from an energy source, it is imperative to analyze the story and facts from a logistical perspective and not get caught up in false narratives.