Energy Density

Energy density is the amount of energy stored within an energy source.  This concept is intimately related to waste so it is best to examine them together.

Some examples of energy density in kWh/kg are below:

Nuclear Fission (100% U-235)	24,513,889
Natural Uranium (99.3% U-238, 0.7% U-235) in a fast breeder reactor	6,666,667
Enriched Uranium (3.5% U-235) in a light water reactor	960,000
Natural Uranium (99.3% U-238, 0.7% U-235) in a light water reactor	123,056
LPG propane	13.8
LPG butane	13.6
Gasoline	13.0
Diesel fuel/Residential heating oil	12.7
Biodiesel oil	11.7
Anthracite Coal	9.0
Water at 100 m dam height	0.0003

It is obvious that nuclear has the highest energy density by far.  All other fuels are around the same range.

Because energy density is related to how much fuel is needed once it is used up it becomes the amount of waste that has been produced.  Below the waste per kWh is displayed.

Type of Plant	Amt of Electricity Produced (MWh)									Waste per kWh (lbs)
Nuclear	7,971,600									0.007
Coal	6,683,880									2,347
Natural Gas	998,640									400
Petroleum (Oil)	1,173,840									566

Once again the results are staggering.  Nuclear is much cleaner than all other options.  With this trend we must seriously consider nuclear to be a top option for energy production.  This means we must weigh all pros and cons to see if this is a viable option.


Sources:
http://nuclearfissionary.com/2010/06/09/energy-density-and-waste-comparison-of-energy-production/