Also known as atomic, nuclear energy is generated from the fission of the nucleus of the uranium atom, with splits in two or more particles, releasing a large amount of energy.

Initially, the enrgy obtained from nuclear fission was used for military purposes, and then the researches moved forward and developed with the aim of producing electric energy. Despite this, nuclear weapons are still produced from nuclear fission.

The nuclear energy generation creats a lot of controversy and suspicion, because of risk of accidents in plants, involving the release of radioactivity, as well as the improper destination of atomic waste.  

However, nuclear energy has several positive aspects, especially for countries in which there aren’t natral resources for energy.

Advantages:

• Nuclear energy reserves are much bigger than fossil fuel reservess;
• The non-use of fossil fuels, avoinding the release of gases responsible for increasing global warming and other toxic products into the atmosphere;
• Nuclear power plants occupy relatively small areas and can be build near the consumer centers and are not dependent on wheather factors (rain, wind, etc) for their operation;
• The uranium used in nuclear power plants is a low-cost fuel;
• Nuclear power plants allow a bigger energy independence for oil and gas importing countries;
• It doesn’t contribute to the greenhouse effect.

Disadvantages:

• The costs of construction and operation of plants are very high;;
• It enables the construction of nuclear weapons;
• The improper destination of atomic waste;
• Accidents resulting in release of radiactive material.