The United States: the next major nuclear power market

Three issues concerning the outlook for nuclear power in the United States are discussed. The first is the demand for new electricity supply. The second is the supply of electricity. With the recession in the supply industry between 1973-1984 a surge in the provision of new generating capacity is expected. Nuclear power will be part of this for strategic, economic and environmental reasons. The short-term situation is the third issue. The need to renew energy supply is being accepted and postponed nuclear projects will be revived and new orders placed in 1988/9. Analysis of the United States economy showing recovery from recession, taxation rates and economic performance is discussed as the background to projections of growth in the electricity output, electricity prices, power plant orders and electricity demand. A sensitivity analysis for electricity costs is made. It is not envisaged that alternative energy technologies will figure significantly in the future power market. (U.K.)