Why isn't nuclear power an alternative energy?

Answer 1

Possibly nuclear power is not considered an alternative energy because it is already established as big business. Or possibly because there are inherent problems with it to which proponents of alternative energy object.

The power sources being promoted as alternative energy share certain things in common. One of which is that they tend to be renewable, which nuclear power is not, as it depends on nonrenewable resources. Another is that they have low carbon footprints, and the carbon footprint of nuclear power is significantly greater than the carbon footprints of wind, recent solar technology, hydro, and biomass. Another problem is that nuclear power has a potential for long term damage other technologies do not have.