Advantages and Disadvantages of Nuclear power station

by eees.in · March 30, 2021

Advantages

Space requirement of a nuclear power plant is less as compared to other conventional power plants is of equal size.
A nuclear power plant consumes very small quantity of fuel. Thus fuel transportation cost is less and large fuel storage facilities are not needed.
There is increased reliability of operation.
Nuclear power plants are not affected by adverse weather conditions.
Nuclear power plants are well suited to meet large power demands. They give better performance at higher load factors (80 to 90%).
Materials expenditure on metal structures, piping, storage mechanisms are much lower for a nuclear power plant than a coal burning power plant.

Disadvantages

Initial cost of nuclear power plant is higher as compared to hydro or steam power plant.
Nuclear power plants are not well suited for varying load conditions.
Radioactive wastes if not disposed carefully may have bad effect on the health of workers and other population. In a nuclear power plant the major problem faced is the disposal of highly radioactive waste in form of liquid, solid and gas without any injury to the atmosphere. Maintenance cost of the plant is high.
It requires trained personnel to handle nuclear power plants.