The end of the nuclear dream

The study sets out to assess the performance of the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) and to make recommendations for its role in the future within the overall energy needs of the United Kingdom. It assumes that the Magnox stations will be phased out after 20-25 years service, that the Advanced Gas-Cooled reactors will be shut down after 20-25 years service and no more built and that perhaps five or so Pressurized Water reactors will be built by the year 2000, including the Sizewell-B station. The first part of the report traces the institutional changes that have taken place in the UKAEA from its formation in 1954 up to the late 1980s. The current structure of the UKAEA is described in part 2. Questions of accountability are raised and its dual role of assessor and promoter of nuclear power is questioned. Part three looks at the UKAEA's role in developing nuclear power, especially the economic implications. In part four fundamental errors of judgement by the UKAEA are blamed for the failure of the UK nuclear industry to provide cheap, abundant, electricity. Practical recommendations for a major restructuring of the Authority are made. (author)