Chapter 27. Chapter 27: Nuclear Power

What problems are associated with the production of nuclear fuel...?

Why You Should Care

Fuel pellets are collected into uranium fuel rods that last less than two years in a typical reactor: The chain reactions speed up the radioactive decay until there are too few isotopes remaining to release enough energy to be efficient. At this point, the biggest problem with nuclear power comes out—the still radioactive fuel rods must be removed and stored as high-level radioactive waste (HLRW). While there may not be enough radioactivity for the reactor, there is still enough radioactivity to harm life. Where can this waste be stored long term?