Publication Laka-library:
Energy Security and the Role of Nuclear Power in Japan
| Author | T.Suzuki. |
 | - |
| Date | 2000 |
| Classification | 4.21.0.00/16 (JAPAN - GENERAL) |
| Front | 
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From the publication:
Energy Security and the Role of Nuclear Power in Japan Tatsujiro Suzuki Senior Research Scientist. Central Research Institute of the Electric Power Industry INTRODUCTION The 20th Century is called the age of oil. It may be no exaggeration to say that the energy policies of the major advanced nations of the world have been virtually built around oil. Like a giant ship that is difficult to steer, long-term energy policies and the energy supply infrastructure based on these policies cannot be altered significantly even when the energy situation changes. Nuclear power generation is similarly entrenched. It involves a very large industrial infrastructure which includes mines, fuel processing, spent fuel storage, reprocessing, and waste disposal. Moreover, research and development require huge investments and a long lead-time. So, once established, nuclear power generation is very hard to alter. This aspect has a most significant meaning in considering the role that nuclear power generation plays in energy security. As of the end of 1998, there were 422 commercial nuclear power generation plants (358.49 kW) in operation in the world, accounting for about 16% of the world's electricity supply. However, it is expected that the number of new projects in North America and Europe will decline as plans for abolishing or early closure of nuclear power plants are increasing. This trend implies that nuclear power generation may be expected to have a smaller share in world electricity markets in the years to come.
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