Nuclear engineering professor to speak at Schlow Library

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – What does the future of nuclear power look like? Arthur Motta, professor of nuclear engineering at Penn State, will address this question at a presentation sponsored by the State College chapter of Citizens’ Climate Lobby at 2 p.m. Nov. 3 at Schlow Library in State College, Pennsylvania.

David Allard, director of the Bureau of Radiation Protection at the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, will also speak at the event, titled “The Future of Nuclear Energy.”

“Some wonder if climate change will spur renewed interest in nuclear power as a way to produce electricity without producing carbon dioxide,” said Sylvia Neely, group leader for the State College chapter of Citizens’ Climate Lobby. “Or does the closure of Three Mile Island signal the beginning of the end for nuclear power? We are eager to hear what our speakers have to say.”

The world’s growing concern about greenhouse gases has raised many questions about alternative energy sources, according to Motta. Nuclear power is a clean energy source option and currently provides 20% of electricity in the United States, according to the Office of Nuclear Energy. Motta and Allard will discuss what factors need to be considered when using nuclear power and what measures need to be taken in order to ensure safety.

Motta said he hopes to address the pros and cons of nuclear energy, including how it can help address climate change and its potential environmental impact.

“We need to consider not only the economic cost of our sources of energy, but also their carbon footprint,” Motta said. “Nuclear power is one of the few major electricity sources that does not emit greenhouse gases. It is also reliable, as it can produce electricity at all times. I’ll also discuss some of the public concerns regarding radioactive waste and accidents.”

The event is open to the public. Refreshments will be served. There will be an opportunity for questions and discussion following the presentation.