Nuclear Energy: part of the problem and/or solution?

The environmental policy of Electricite de France focusses on the expansion of power production by the use of nuclear energy, environmental protection, and prevention of nuclear accidents as well as the rational use of energy. The positive results of the French nuclear programme are summarized. The emission of greenhouse and acidification gases has been significantly reduced. The emission of NOx was reduced from from 196 k tons in 1983 to 37 k tons in 1993, SO2 from 460 k tons in 1983 to 66 k tons in 1993, and CO2 from 51 M tons in 1983 to 13 M tons in 1993. Radioactive emission values are as low as only one percent of the permitted release limits. The land surface, occupied by nuclear power plants is only 630 m'2 per MWe, which is considerably less than the surface, needed for energy production by hydroelectric power or solar energy. Nuclear power production has also positive economic effects: the cost of electric power in France is low compared to other European countries. Despite these positive elements, it remains essential to reduce the environmental impact of nuclear power production industry to a minimum. (A.S.)