Visualizing All the Nuclear Waste in the World
Nuclear power contributes 10% of global electricity. A collaboration visualizes existing nuclear waste types and disposal needs. High-level waste is less than 0.25% of total radioactive waste. Nuclear industry waste is minimal compared to other sectors.
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Nuclear power is a crucial part of the clean energy transition, providing about 10% of global electricity. Despite its benefits, nuclear waste is often misunderstood. A collaboration with the National Public Utilities Council visualizes the volume of existing nuclear waste based on hazard levels and disposal requirements. The waste is categorized into four types: very low-level, low-level, intermediate-level, and high-level waste, each with specific containment and disposal needs. High-level radioactive waste, although a concern, makes up less than 0.25% of total radioactive waste reported to the International Atomic Energy Agency. The data shows that the nuclear industry produces a relatively small amount of waste compared to other industrial activities, with radioactive waste accounting for only 0.01% of hazardous materials shipped annually in the U.S. This visualization aims to provide insight into the management and disposal of nuclear waste globally, shedding light on an essential aspect of the nuclear power sector.
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