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1.6.2 Natural Gas and Nuclear Energy

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As it emits 70% less carbon per unit of energy than coal, natural gas is considered a cleaner alternative to coal. In combination with a few other hydrocarbons, including ethane, propane, pentane and butane, natural gas consists primarily of methane, with some other trace elements present. Hydrocarbons are responsible for the high combustion properties of natural gas and for the clean‐burning properties of methane. Hydrocarbons and impurities are removed, and methane is effectively burned in the process of converting natural gas into a gaseous form. On the other hand, hydrocarbons are needed for good combustion when natural gas is used as a liquid fuel in engines. As both ways can be used, natural gas can also become an efficient fuel of choice. The key benefit of natural gas is its chemical composition, which is mostly methane (CH4). Since methane has a single carbon atom in its structure, it creates far less carbon emissions. Furthermore, due to their chemical composition, the blue flame formed by the burning of natural gas originates from molecules that help to complete combustion.

In the meantime, natural gas will serve effectively as a bridge fuel, as the transition to renewable energy will be a slow and long‐drawn process. However, it has disadvantages that need to be addressed, such as inevitable gas leakage, large amounts of GHG produced by transport and regasification, so that the benefits could be minimal and temporary.

Therefore, nuclear energy is not a healthy option. Strong action is needed to take into account the overall cost of environmental and social aspects, including the possibility of terrorist attacks and accidents and the diversion of radioactive weapons materials. The industry must also be allowed to pay for the permanent disposal of radioactive nuclear waste, and all accident insurance must be issued with immediate effect by the nuclear industry. In addition, all subsidies to the nuclear industry must cease and be diverted to alternatives to renewable energy sources.

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