1. How does nuclear power work? Nuclear energy comes from the splitting of uranium atoms – a process called fission. This generates heat to produce steam, which is used by a turbine generator to generate electricity. Because nuclear power plants do not burn fuel, they do not produce greenhouse gas emissions. 2. What are some by-products of nuclear energy? Some examples of by products are cobalt-60, cesium-137 and iridium-192. 3. What happened in Chernobyl? What was the impact of the event on the environment and people? On April 26, 1986, a major accident occurred at Unit 4 of the nuclear power station at Chernobyl, Ukraine, in the former USSR.The reactor's fuel elements ruptured and there was a violent explosion. At temperatures of over 2000°C, the fuel rods melted. The explosion claimed 31 people. 4. How does a solar cell turn sunlight into electricity? Sunlight striking a solar panel causes electrons to flow, creating electricity. Solar power generating systems take advantage of this property to convert sunlight directly into electrical energy. 5. How much electricity is produced by solar power? The amount of electricity produced by solar power is determined by (kW) or kilowatts. A typical solar panel produces about 200 watts of electricity based on the efficiency and size of what's installed.Total global solar energy generation capacity averaged 40 percent annual growth from 2000 (1.5 GW) to 2011 (69.8 GW). Solar is the fastest growing source of renewable electricity in the world and in the United States, but it is starting from a small base.