Reference no: EM13653753

Since the late 1970s, utilities in selected countries such as the US have generally not added nuclear power generation capabilities to their generation mix. However, over the past decade, utilities have begun to recognise the benefits that nuclear power generation offers-despite the obvious risks. Orders for nuclear power plants at manufacturing firms such as Westinghouse Nuclear and Areva are now at an all-time high. Coal-generation electricity sources have largely been the choice of most utilities since the nuclear power debacle of the 1970s.

Perform a critical assessment for, and adoption or rejection of, nuclear power or coal-fired power generation as part of your power generation options. List the pros and the cons of each. Weigh these pros and cons. Make a choice as to which of these two options should be added to a utility system based on a consideration of these factors (including environmental) and defend that choice