Electricity and nuclear energy

Worldwide the ratio of electricity consumption to total energy consumption has increased steadily in the past decades. This trend should continue in future years in industry, in developing countries and those with population growth. Research and development should concentrate not only on the power generation side, so that the increasing demand for electricity can be met, but should include also the application side so as to ensure optimum utilisation of electrical power. Future prospects for electricity and the role of nuclear power are assessed. (P.G.R.)