NUCLEX 81: well-guarded atoms

The article briefly reviews the NUCLEX 81 exhibition held in Basle in October 1981. Recent events at Three-Mile Island were reflected in the attention given to safety devices and to the training and supervision of operating staff. Among 287 exhibitors from 19 countries Swiss firms were present in a low profile, showing only publicity material. The Japanese were much more aggressive, as were the USA, its collective exhibit being the largest present and demonstrating a revival of optimism among American manufacturers. The USSR showed inter alia their 600MW breeder, the TOKOMAKs 7 and 10 and a 1000MWe PWR, many of which now are being installed without protective enclosures. France and Germany were also very prominent, in vivid contrast to the lack of any showing by the UK. (C.J.O.G.)