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Why Is nuclear power not a viable and safe alternative to fossil fuels?

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Nuclear power faces challenges that hinder its viability and safety as an alternative to fossil fuels. Despite being cost-effective and clean, concerns over safety, such as the risk of accidents and radioactive waste disposal issues, have led to a decline in its global share. The Fukushima disaster highlighted safety risks, influencing Japan's shift towards alternative energy sources. Additionally, the long-term management of radioactive waste poses sustainability challenges, with reprocessing efforts potentially leading to nuclear material proliferation. In the U.S., the nuclear industry's struggles with cost overruns, delays, and cancellations of projects indicate economic challenges and safety concerns, making nuclear power less attractive for climate policy. These factors collectively contribute to nuclear power not being a fully viable and safe replacement for fossil fuels.

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Open access The economic failure of nuclear power and the development of a low carbon electricity future: why small modular reactors are part of the problem, not the solution Mark Cooper 01 Jan 2014 14 Citations	Nuclear power is economically unattractive, slow, and risky compared to renewables. It diverts resources from more promising alternatives and hinders the transition to sustainable electricity systems.
Open access•Journal Article•DOI Nuclear Safety: A Longitudinal Case Study from the Fukushima Nuclear Disaster Joon-Hyuk Lee, Young-Min Jin, Young-Hyuk Jo, Soon Hong Lee - Show less +3 more 29 Feb 2016 1 Citations	Nuclear power is cost-effective and clean, but safety concerns arise from potential disasters like Fukushima. Japan is shifting towards alternative energy post-crisis, impacting nuclear policies and public awareness.
Open access•Journal Article•DOI Nuclear fuel materials and its sustainability for low carbon energy system: A review 01 Feb 2022-IOP conference series	Nuclear power is considered a viable and safe alternative to fossil fuels due to its sustainability, low carbon emissions, and potential integration with renewable energy sources for reliable electricity generation.
Open access•Journal Article•DOI Development of nuclear power as an alternative to fossil fuels Marek Michalski 01 Jan 2019-Acta Innovations 5 Citations	Nuclear power faces challenges due to high capital costs, safety concerns like radioactive waste disposal, environmental risks, and decreasing share in energy mix in developed economies.
Open access•Journal Article•DOI Is nuclear power generation a viable alternative to the energy needs of pakistan? swot-rii analysis Sikander Ali Abbasi, Khanji Harijan, Abdullah Mengal, Faheemullah Shaikh, Nayyar Hussain Mirjat - Show less +4 more 08 Jun 2021-International Journal of Energy Economics and Policy	Not addressed in the paper.

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