Nuclear energy into the twenty-first century. Applied Energy.

Hammond, Geoffrey P.

1996

SEPARATA
677

The historical development of the civil nuclear power generation industry is examined in the light of the need to meet conflicting energy-supply and environmental pressures over recent decades. It is suggested that fission(thermal and fast) reactors will dominate the market up to the period 2010-2030, with fusion being relegated to the latter part of the twenty-first century. A number of issues affecting the use of nuclear electricity generation in Western Europe are considered, including its cost, industrial strategy needs, and the public acceptability of nuclear power. The contriobution of nuclear power station to achieving CO2 targets aimed at relieving global warming is discussed in the context of alternative stretegies for sustainable development, including renewable energy sources and energy-efficiency measures. Trends in the generation of nuclear electricity from fission reactors are finally considered in terms of the main geopolitical groupings that make up the world in the mid-1990s. Several recents, but somewhat conflicting, forecast of the role of nuclear power in the fuel mix to about 2020 are reviewed. It is argued that the only major expanson in generating capacity will take place on the Asia-Pacific Rim and not in the developing countries generally. Nevertheless, the global industry overall will continue to be dominated by a small number of large nuclear electricity generating countries; principally the USA, France and Japan..

Presenta gráfs. y tbls.

EUROPA; ENERGIA NUCLEAR; GENERAL; COSTOS; OPINION PUBLICA; USO RACIONAL DE LA ENERGIA; ASPECTOS HISTORICOS; MEDIO AMBIENTE; GENERACION DE ENERGIA; URANIO; CALENTAMIENTO GLOBAL;