The significance of nuclear engineering in the task of coping with the energy, environmental and climate problems

A limitation of 'greenhouse' gas emissions to a level compatible with the climate can most probably only be achieved if the limited funds available for this purpose are used strictly according to the economic principle of achieving the best possible emission abatement with every deutschmark spent. This is a priority criterion in the development of strategies and concepts for the prevention of climatic hazards. Nuclear power generation could avoid emission of about 150 million tonnes of CO2 up to the year 2005, which is about 20 % of current CO2 emissions in West Germany, and this would not incur any additional costs for the economy as a whole. However, such enhanced use of nuclear energy up to the year 2005, as the only measure taken would still not be able to achieve the necessary reduction in emissions. (orig.)