Nuclear energy is considered clean energy but whether it should be counted as renewable energy continues to be up for debate. According to the DOE, nuclear is often left out of the “clean energy” conversation despite it being the second largest source of low-carbon electricity in the world behind hydropower. The three reasons provided were;

1 - Nuclear energy protects air quality

2 - Nuclear energy’s land footprint is small

3 - Nuclear energy produces minimal waste

National non-profit organization, Green America gave 10 reasons they oppose nuclear energy. Among the reasons they provided;

1 - Costs

2 - Waste

3 - Energy Production

According to Green America, the 444 nuclear power plants currently in existence provide about 11% of the world’s energy. So while nuclear energy generation is up in the U.S., globally not everyone supports it as a ‘green’ energy source. Thursday, March 28, the European Parliament voted on a proposed classification for sustainable assets, voting to exclude nuclear power from receiving a green stamp of approval on financial markets.

Should nuclear energy be counted as ‘green’ or be excluded from receiving a ‘green’ stamp of approval?