The social and economic impact of nuclear power in the year 2000 and beyond

Worldwide, there are 437 nuclear plants in operation throughout 31 nations based upon data provided by the IAEA Power Reactor Information System. These plants represent 17% of world electrical production and 2300 Billion kwhrs. In the United States, production exceeded 600 billion kwhrs and 22% of total electrical production in 1995. Between 1996 and 1997, seven new plants were brought on-line, of which only one was located in the US. Therefore, the United States has definitely established a gradual decline of nuclear electric production with decisions to shut down Big Rock Point and Maine Yankee and more recently, the Zion Nuclear Station. This brings to 13 the total number of power plans within the pipeline for decommissioning, or more than 10% of the commissioned installations. With no plans for new plant construction in the offing, nuclear power's share of electrical production will shrink. This decline is expected to make a significant impact upon the social and economic structure before new needs or a new equilibrium is achieved. Specifically, the authors present their view of what the decline will do to these areas of social and commercial concern to the year 2000 and beyond