% of the thermal energy in coal is converted to electricity. (Question) In 1998, 23.3% of the worlds energy for both commercial and non-commercial sources came from coal and 6.7% was generated through nuclear power plants. (Coal Facts) In the United States, coal is burned in 56% of all power plant boilers in operation. (Fast Facts) Coal is the number one source of total U.S. electricity production at 54%. The number two source of electricity is nuclear power, which produces 21% of U.S. electricity. (Power Plants) Nuclear energy is a dependable provider of electricity for the United States. (Till) Seventeen one thousand-megawatt reactors could be fueled for forty years with 690,000 tons of domestic uranium reserves. (Webb) One uranium nuclear fuel pellet the size of the tip of a little finger is equivalent to the energy provided by 1,780 pounds of coal or 149 gallons of oil.(High-level)While the amount of uranium needed to produce electricity is much less than the amount of coal needed to produce an equivalent amount of electricity, there is concern about the safety of the environment whenever radioactive material is used. Just 1/70th of a teaspoon of nuclear waste can contaminate a 25-acre lake to a point where fish are unsafe to eat. (Toll From) However, all energy production results in some environmental damage and some scientists believe that the dangers of nuclear power plants are less significant than other power sources. Of all energy sources, nuclear energy has perhaps the lowest impact on the environment (Environmental) Nuclear plants are so environmentally benign that they enable endangered species to live and thrive nearby.(Environmental) Osprey, peregrine, falcons, and bald eagles are examples of endangered species which have thrived near nuclear power plants. Nuclear energy preserves the environment. (Till, Frequently)Wastes and by-products from coal power plants also impact the environment. There are currently fish ...
