Nuclear wasted
Atomic energy has the potential to reduce our carbon footprint, but the problem of waste is devilishly complex
France’s electricity production emits 85g of carbon dioxide-equivalents per kilowatt hour compared to about 260g for the UK and 370–380g for Germany, Italy and the US. The country relies on a fleet of nuclear power stations to generate electricity. It’s a great success story, albeit one that was put in train all the way back in the 1970s oil crisis. Although not without their share of controversy and cover-ups – both during the construction and operation today – if the rest of the world had followed their lead, it’s sobering to think what the level of carbon dioxide would be in today’s atmosphere. In March 1974, when the building plan was being deliberated, levels were at 332ppm; today, it’s more like 420ppm.
But what should we do with the radioactive leftovers? Despite the problem having been around almost as long as nuclear power itself – nearly 70 years – almost no country has yet found a satisfactory long-term solution.