Which of the following energy sources generates radioactive waste as a by-product of power production?

Introduction / Context:
Energy production and its environmental impact are frequent topics in general science and environmental studies. Different power generation methods have different kinds of waste products and risks. Understanding which sources produce radioactive waste is important for discussions about nuclear safety, waste disposal, and sustainable energy. This question asks you to identify which type of power generation listed produces radioactive waste as a normal by-product.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The listed energy sources are nuclear power, thermal power, and hydel power.
• “Thermal power” usually refers to coal, oil, or gas fired plants that generate electricity by producing steam to drive turbines.
• “Hydel power” refers to hydroelectric power generated from falling or flowing water.
• We assume standard, textbook level descriptions of these power generation methods.

Concept / Approach:
Nuclear power plants generate energy through nuclear fission reactions, typically using uranium or plutonium fuel. The fission process generates highly radioactive fission products and spent fuel that remain hazardous for long periods and must be carefully managed and stored. In contrast, thermal power plants that burn fossil fuels emit pollutants such as carbon dioxide, sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter, but do not create highly radioactive waste in normal operation. Hydroelectric plants use water stored in dams or flowing rivers to turn turbines and produce electricity, generating minimal waste and no radioactive by-products. Therefore, among the options, only nuclear power is directly associated with the generation of radioactive waste.

Step-by-Step Solution:
1. Recall how nuclear power plants work: they use controlled nuclear fission in a reactor to produce heat, which generates steam that drives turbines.2. The nuclear fuel and the fission products created inside the reactor are radioactive and remain hazardous after they are no longer efficient for power generation.3. These spent fuel rods and related materials are classified as radioactive waste and must be stored in specially designed facilities.4. Thermal power plants that burn coal, oil, or gas produce greenhouse gases and other air pollutants, but their waste is not primarily radioactive.5. Hydel power plants rely on the mechanical energy of water, producing negligible waste compared with nuclear or fossil fuel plants.6. Therefore, only nuclear power among the listed options generates radioactive waste as a significant by-product.

Verification / Alternative check:
World energy agencies and environmental reports consistently classify radioactive waste as a unique issue tied to the nuclear fuel cycle. They highlight the need for long term geological repositories and strict handling protocols for nuclear waste. In contrast, the main environmental concerns for thermal power include air pollution and carbon emissions, while hydroelectric projects raise issues about habitat alteration and displacement. None of these alternative problems involve routine generation of high level radioactive waste. This confirms that nuclear power is the correct choice for this specific question.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option B, “Thermal power,” is incorrect because conventional thermal plants do not generate radioactive waste as their primary environmental issue; their major wastes are gaseous and particulate pollutants. Option C, “Hydel power,” is wrong because hydroelectric schemes depend on water and turbines and do not involve radioactive fuel. Option D, “All of the above,” is clearly incorrect since only one of the listed energy sources is associated with radioactive waste in normal operation. Thus, nuclear power stands out as the only correct answer.

Common Pitfalls:
Some learners may confuse thermal and nuclear plants because both generate steam to drive turbines. However, the heat source is different: nuclear reactors use fission, while thermal plants burn fossil fuels. Another pitfall is to focus only on environmental harm and assume that any power plant with serious impacts must involve radioactivity, which is not true. Coal plants are very polluting but not primarily radioactive. To avoid confusion, always link radioactive waste specifically to nuclear energy and not to other forms of power generation.

Final Answer:
The energy source that generates radioactive waste as a by-product of power production is nuclear power.