The annual report for 1985

Nuclear power: 1. The total installed nuclear power-generating capacity in the world increased by 13.77% during 1985, reaching 250 GW(e) by the end of the year. Nuclear power plants accounted for 15% of the world's electricity generation in 1985, at the end of which there were 374 nuclear power plants in operation; 32 new plants came on line during the year. 2. There was still no general upturn in the ordering of nuclear power plants, and construction work started on only six new plants. However, vigorous nuclear power programmes continued in a number of Member States - notably France, Japan and the East European Member States belonging to CMEA. At the same time, five developing countries (China, Egypt, the Republic of Korea, Turkey and Yugoslavia) issued bid invitations or were negotiating contracts for nuclear power plants. Two new plants came on line in developing countries, one in India and one in the Republic of Korea. 3. Last year was the first year since 1973 without any cancellations of nuclear power plant orders or suspensions of plant construction. 4. Three nuclear power plants (El-4 and Chinon-A2 in France and VAK Kahl in the Federal Republic of Germany) were permanently shut down at what was judged to be the end of their economically useful lifetimes. 5. In contrast with the uncertainties about the current nuclear power programmes in some countries, the development of advanced nuclear systems was highlighted in 1985 by three major events: by the start-up of the 1200 MW(e) Super Phenix in France; by the start-up of the THTR-300 prototype high-temperature reactor in the Federal Republic of Germany; and by the start-up of India's fast breeder test reactor. 6. The Agency's efforts to help strengthen nuclear power planning in developing Member States continued, through advisory missions, training courses and guidebooks. Issues relating to the financing of nuclear power programmes were discussed at a seminar where the participants concluded that the Agency could play a useful role by providing commercial lenders with objective information on the technical proveness of nuclear power and that the Agency's involvement in financial feasibility studies would carry considerable weight with lenders and export credit agencies. Furthermore, all Agency's Activities are described in detail: Technical co-operation; Nuclear fuel cycle; Nuclear safety and radiation protection; Food and agriculture; Life sciences; Physical sciences; The Laboratories; International Centre for Theoretical Physics; Safeguards; Information and technical services