Direction of development and possibilities in nuclear energy technique

At the end of 1973 the total nuclear generating capacity in operation was 28 GW and the largest unit 1,100 MW; under construction 182GW with the largest unit 1,360 MW. At present, of the reactors in operation or under construction 83% of the total capacity is in light water pressure-vessel or boiling water types. As it appears, the light water reactor is by no means at the end of its development possibilities. The fast breeder type amounted to about 1% only, which will increase. An extension of the research into nuclear fusion methods is necessary. With the rapid increase in nuclear power generation (doubling in 3-4 years) the exploration for and mining of uranium must be accelerated. (A.G.P.)