World energy prospects and the role of nuclear power

The International Energy Agency's mission is to promote policies that enable member countries to obtain the energy they need when they need it and as their economies grow. It is concerned with maintaining an emergency system for sharing oil supplies in the event of a sudden disruption, with energy conservation, improved energy efficiency, and reduction of dependence on oil by developing coal, natural gas, nuclear power and renewable energy sources. The position of nuclear energy is reviewed in the light of the alternatives and public opinion following the Chernobyl accident. Member countries which do not have, or decide to stop using, nuclear energy will have to find technically sound and economically feasible alternatives. (U.K.)