Laka Foundation

Publication Laka-library:
International Nuclear Power Mythbusters #10 (1996)

AuthorSECC
DateApril 1996
Classification 6.01.0.20/72 (IMPORTANCE WORLDWIDE)
Remarks also available in Spanish 6.01.0.20/75
Front

From the publication:

INTERNATIONAL NUCLEAR POWER

MYTHBusters™ #10

Safe Energy Communication Council's

SPRING/1996

Nuclear power is often portrayed as a growing source of energy for both the 
industrialized and the developing worlds, despite its moribund condition in the 
United States. In reality, nuclear power's role in the global energy market has 
entered a phase of stagnation and impending decline. Even in those countries often 
sited as nuclear "success stories," the technology has failed to deliver on the 
promises of its advocates. To make matters worse, some countries have used the 
cover of civilian nuclear power programs to pursue nuclear weapons capabilities.
Worldwide, the number of nuclear power reactors under construction is at its 
lowest level in nearly 30 years. Installed nuclear capacity has been virtually flat 
during the 1990s, as has the growth in the number of operating plants. Meanwhile, 
one-sixth of all plants ever operated have been closed after an average lifetime 
of less than 17 years.
Despite nuclear power's anemic growth and the lingering global repercussions of 
the Chernobyl catastrophe, governments continue to underwrite the industry, 
funneling large amounts of taxpayer funds into research and development and other 
subsidies, while supporting efforts to export potentially dual-use nuclear 
technologies. In MYTHBusters™ #10, the Safe Energy Communication Council 
(SECC) examines the industry's myths about international nuclear power and finds 
that:

• Nuclear power's role in the global energy economy has essentially peaked. 
The technology is no longer considered a viable option for most countries 
seeking new energy supplies.

• Considerable challenges confront nuclear power, even in the supposed 
nuclear "success stories" - France and Japan.

• A direct or indirect connection between civilian nuclear power and nuclear 
weapons programs exists in numerous countries.

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