Nuclear power in the world. Its present status and development trends

A summary of the most important data about the nuclear power reactors in operation and under construction as of the end of 1993 is given: their capacity, share of world capacity, growth of nuclear electricity generation since 1970 and its distribution by country. Nuclear prospects in the medium (2015) and long term (2025) are connected with a broad range of factors: development of advanced reactors ensuring high level of safety, implementation of high level waste repositories, enhancing the public acceptance of nuclear power. The issue of the cost of electricity generation is also discussed. Nuclear capacity projections to 2015 by region are given with 'low' and 'high' estimates. The low case reflects the continuation of the present trend of stagnation in nuclear power development due to public opposition and low economic growth in OECD countries, uncertainties in Eastern Europe and lack of finding in developing countries. The high case reflects a moderate revival of nuclear power development in the light of a more comprehensive assessment of the macro-economic and environmental aspects of the different options available for electricity generation. 7 figs., 5 tabs. (R.T.)