Nuclear power and wind power are both environmentally friendly energy alternatives to fossil fuels, but they are substantially different from one another. The ending paragraph summarizes the comparison. On average then, a wind farm takes two to three times longer to produce the same amount of energy that a nuclear power plant of the same capacity can produce (Koyama). Meanwhile, nuclear plants operate at 90 percent capacity at least. Even in the United States, which has greater wind potential than most places, wind turbines operate at about 33 percent capacity. And it is difficult to predict when the wind will blow and at what force. This is not surprising, as wind turbines spin only when the wind is blowing. However, while wind is cleaner and cheaper than nuclear power, nuclear power production is more efficient, consistent, and flexible-better able to meet sudden jumps in energy demands. For another, it costs 46 cents per MW-h to fuel a nuclear power plant, while the wind used to “fuel” a wind farm costs nothing (Koyama). For one thing, the upfront cost for building a nuclear plant with the appropriate emergency and containment systems is higher than the upfront cost for building a wind farm. According to this report, wind energy is 15 percent cheaper than nuclear energy. The report concluded that a state-of-the-art nuclear plant would cost $113.90 per MW-h (unit of energy equal to 1,000 kilowatt hours), while an onshore wind farm would cost $97 per MW-h. In 2011 the Energy Information Administration published an inflation-adjusted cost comparison for building and operating different types of energy plants over their life cycles. Wind power is also more cost-effective than nuclear power. Nuclear disasters such as the one at Fukushima cause great environmental harm (Keeley). (It harms some bird populations.) Conversely, nuclear power produces radioactive waste that must be contained in massive concrete structures or stored far underground. But wind power is cleaner than nuclear power because it uses a completely natural resource and has low environmental impact. As a result, they both benefit the atmosphere by reducing the danger of climate change, compared with fossil fuels. Neither wind nor nuclear energy emits harmful greenhouse gases that trap sunlight. In terms of the environmental impact, both wind and nuclear energy are cleaner options than fossil fuels. The middle paragraphs focus on different points of comparison. While nuclear power is the more efficient system, wind power is the cleaner and more cost-effective alternative. Which is preferable? Politicians, energy experts, and environmentalists disagree. Two energy systems have emerged as potential replacements for fossil fuels-nuclear power and wind power. Fossil fuel supplies are limited, they’re becoming increasingly expensive, and burning them is harmful to the environment. Human beings have spent thousands of years burning things to make energy, but that strategy needs to change. Nuclear Versus Wind Power The beginning introduces the two topics of comparison and includes a thesis statement (underlined). Present the final copy of your essay to your instructor or post it on a relevant blog or wiki. Rewrite parts that are confusing or unclear.Īdd details to explain the comparison more fully.Ĭheck your writing for accuracy using pages 190–195 as a guide. Purpose: Does the essay achieve your goal? Subject: Are the two topics given equal attention? Does the comparison make sense and have worth? End with a paragraph that summarizes the comparison and contrast.Organize each paragraph using a point-by-point, subject-by-subject, or similarities-and-differences pattern (see page 462).Follow with middle paragraphs that explain how the topics are similar or different.Begin by introducing the topics and stating your thesis about their similarities or differences.Shaping: List key similarities and differences.Focusing: Decide on a focus and write the thesis statement, naming the two topics and summing up how they are similar and different.(See pages 376–389.) Consider using a T-chart to organize details about the two subjects. Searching: Consult primary and secondary sources. Project what you’d like to find out about each topic.List your prior knowledge about these topics.Identify two specific topics to compare and contrast.Audience: Who will read this essay? What do they need to know?.Purpose: Why are you comparing these topics? What is your goal?.Subject: What topics will you compare and contrast?.
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