While nuclear energy is considered to be a clean
source of energy, it is not considered to be a renew-
able energy source, such as hydro, solar, wind, or bio-
mass. Nuclear energy is considered clean, because in
its intended usage GHGs are not emitted into the en-
vironment (nor are other pollutants emitted). It is not
considered to be a renewable energy source, because
its nuclear fuel is created from a finite raw material
supply, U-235 in the case of current U.S. reactors. Per-
haps overlooked by Kristhof due to their relatively
small contributions at the time, solar and wind are also
non-CO 2 producing energy technologies. Bio-mass is
generally accepted as clean in that the CO 2 released by
burning bio-mass fuel is largely gas that was relatively
recently removed from the atmosphere by photosyn-
thesis. It is therefore said to be carbon neutral with no
net annual increase in atmospheric CO 2 concentration.
However, its combustion does release other pollutants
into the atmosphere. These renewable technologies do
not share the radioactive risks of nuclear energy. De-
spite these points, Dr. Stephen Chu, U.S. Secretary of
Energy and Nobel Laureate, offers: “As a zero-carbon
energy source, nuclear power must be part of our en-
ergy mix as we work toward energy independence
and meeting the challenge of global warming” (Chu
2009).
Sustainability Considerations
The sustainability of burning fossil fuels has been
questioned by many, not only due to the nature of the
finite supply, energy independence and security con-
siderations, but increasingly due to the emission of
GHG and subsequent contribution to climate change.
Nuclear energy is thus inherently sustainable with