An atom collides with another, sending a wave of energy outwards when it breaks. The extremely hot heatwave collides with the water, instantly turning it into steam. This steam rises to turn a huge wheel and electricity is produced. It may sound like a cheesy sci-fi movie, but it's actually a real process used to produce energy around the world. Nuclear energy. But many critics and concerned citizens say it's not worth it. The controversy surrounding nuclear power only grows each year as the need for clean energy increases. But is nuclear energy the “silver bullet” to the energy crisis or a risky bet that we cannot afford to make? Benefits The first question many ask is why. , why use radioactive uranium instead of simple coal or oil? Think of it this way: nuclear reactors produce thirty-five tons of waste every year. Seems like a lot, right? But coal-fired power plants produce more than 15 tons of waste… per minute. This represents more than seven billion tonnes per year! (Enc. America 2) In addition, the reactors release absolutely no emissions – gases – into the air. This means that they do not contribute to global warming at all. (NEI 2)Not only are nuclear reactors environmentally friendly, they are also economical. The construction of a reactor is a large project, which therefore creates many jobs in the United States. By using reactors, we have reduced our dependence on foreign fuels by more than 2.1 billion barrels since 1979, representing billions of dollars remaining in the United States' wallet. (NEI 2) Many people who fear nuclear power imagine that a nuclear meltdown is like an atomic bomb – mass destruction, mushroom clouds, all the rest. But in reality, the truth is that whatever happens, it can't happen. There simply isn't enough uranium to explode. (NEI-2, 1) In a nuclear power plant, all disaster scenarios are taken into account and several safety systems are implemented to counter them. For example, plants have a wide variety of sensors and monitors measuring everything from temperature, water pressure, water level and many other things. If any of them detects a problem, the plant will shut down immediately and automatically. (NEI-2, 2) Not only that, but there are also many physical barriers; ceramic pellets that retain fuel and waste; robust zirconium alloy fuel rods; a large sealed steel container with an eight-inch wall; and finally, the massive concrete structure that is the factory itself.