Nuclear Energy: Key Benefits and Challenges
- By Al Shifa, XI D
- Sat,10 May 2025
Imagine for a moment — it’s the year 2040. Cities glow at night, electric cars zoom past silently, the air is cleaner, and power cuts are a thing of the past. Now ask yourself — what could be fuelling this future? One powerful answer is nuclear energy, which is one of the most remarkable achievements of modern science. As we go ahead, let me take you not into the future but to the past. In school we all have learned that energy comes from the sun, wind, water and coal. But one of the most powerful sources of energy comes from something we can’t see from our naked eye- ‘the atom’. When scientists figured out how to split atom to release energy, they didn’t just discover a new power source- they opened a door to something much bigger- the ability to shape the future. Nuclear energy also offers us an unparalleled source of clean, reliable power. In the word grappling with energy demands and climate change, nuclear technology provides a solution that is not only powerful but also sustainable. Can you believe that- a tiny amount of uranium – no bigger than a fingertip – can produce the same amount of energy as tons of coal – without filling our skies with smoke. It’s like using a drop of water to quench the thirst of a forest. Nuclear energy also contributes itself to the field of medicine, where it is used to treat cancer. And in industries like agriculture and space research, the possibility it offers are endless. It is because of the hard work and dedication of scientists, researchers and engineers that we have reached this stage. So why don’t we see nuclear energy everywhere? Because just like any powerful tool it comes with its own risks. We all remember the name Chernobyl and Fukushima. These were not just accidents. They were warnings. They remind us that nuclear energy while clean and efficient must be handled with care and above all with responsibility. There is also the issue of waste, nuclear waste isn’t like garbage we throw in the bin, instead it stays dangerous for thousands of years and storing it safely without harming people and environment is a challenge scientist are still working on. So, here we are – Standing at a threshold: Leading to cleaner air, better technology and stable electricity and at the same time with warnings of even one single mistake. This is why the role of organizations like DRDO, ISRO, BARC, ICMR is very important. The brilliant minds that work here are not just to harness the power of nuclear energy but also to ensure it is safe, secure and used for the right purpose. As a student I may not have a solution but I believe in learning and asking the right questions. What if the tiniest particle in the universe could power entire cities? What if one discovery could change the way we live, forever? That’s the kind of curiosity that gave birth to nuclear energy — and it’s the same curiosity that will drive scientists, engineers, and researchers to find solutions to the challenges, and I believe that it is possible because they have shown us that impossible is possible when curiosity meets courage. Jai Hind!