How acceptable? Comparison of accident risks in different energy systems

Results based on historical experience show considerable differences between the aggregated normalized damage rates assessed for various energy systems. The highest immediate fatality rates associated with severe accidents in OECD countries apply to liquid petroleum gas, followed by oil, coal, natural gas, hydro and nuclear power. Rates for all considered energy systems are significantly higher for non-OECD countries than for OECD countries. Despite the good safety record of nuclear power plants built and operated according to internationally accepted nuclear safety principles further work is needed. The seriousness of Chernobyl accident is a reminder of the necessity of keeping safety standards at all nuclear power plants