State and development possibilities of reactor engineering

Nuclear energy in industrialized countries has contributed considerably for many years to energy supply. Assessment of the state of the art, in particular of safety concepts, requires a differentiated approach. Analysis shows that advanced Western plants have both a satisfactory safety standard and a positive operating experience. That is a good starting point for further technological developments. For the next generation of nuclear power plants, worldwide plenty of reactor concepts are under discussion, the recognizable tendencies being both the evolutionary further developments of proved lines and the development of completely new (revolutionary) concepts. Most of the essential developments are achieved by international cooperation. A necessary prerequisite for the implementation of safety-related and economically improved nuclear installations is the acceptance of nuclear energy by politicians and the public. (orig.)