Nuclear power, nuclear fuel cycle and waste management: Status and trends 1990

Electricity generated from nuclear energy contributes significantly to the energy needs of the world. With 426 reactors supplying about 17% of the total global electricity, nuclear power not only constitutes an important energy source but also has the potential to meet much more of the energy requirements of mankind. The IAEA follows progress in all aspects of nuclear power, the nuclear fuel cycle and waste management and is actively involved in the implementation of technical measures for bringing about improvements in various areas such as nuclear safety, radioactive waste disposal and the economics of production. This report was jointly prepared by the Division of Nuclear Power and the Division of Nuclear Fuel Cycle and Waste Management as part of a regular annual effort to provide a comprehensive overview of the pertinent programmes and activities of the IAEA. This year's report analyses the end-of-1989 status of and trends in nuclear power and the nuclear fuel cycle, as well as radioactive waste management activities around the world. Also presented are summaries of special events in various countries and highlights of IAEA activities of significance in the nuclear power, nuclear fuel cycle and waste management fields. Refs, figs and tabs