The future of energy from the plant operator's point of view

Starting from a short historic review back to the pioneer days of nuclear energy and an assessment of the present situation, the basis for the future use of nuclear energy is outlined. Nuclear energy is not to become a phase-out energy in the face of its high operating quality, the safeguarding of the nuclear fuel cycle and the development of tomorrow's technology as well as the long-term preservation of nuclear structures. In order to maintain the option for nuclear energy it is quite sensible that the plant operators participate in the development expenditure. This will ensure the survival to a sufficient degree of plant operator-owned know-how and a technological basis for a continued operation of the plants and thus the future development in the field of nuclear power plant. (orig.)