Stichting Laka

Publicatie Laka-bibliotheek:
Government and Nuclear Energy (2004)

Auteur	NEA
Datum	2004
Classificatie	6.01.0.30/29 (AANSPRAKELIJKHEID/VERZEKERINGEN/WETGEVING)
Voorkant

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

This report looks at the role of governments in nuclear energy in the evolving 
context of the three main goals of energy policy in NEA countries: adequate and 
secure supply; competitive markets and prices; and sustainable development, 
including goals for climate change and air quality. The role of nuclear energy in 
this context, and the role of governments in nuclear energy, are essential elements 
of the energy policy discussion.

The intent of this report is to look at some of the forces that influence the 
degree of government intervention, while trying to avoid issues of ideology. Many 
decisions on government intervention in recent decades have been based on the 
earlier experience of what works best. The report suggests some considerations 
that all governments could take into account.

Governments have been deeply involved in the development of nuclear energy. 
Some of them initiated and led the development of nuclear energy since its military 
beginnings in World War II, because of its strategic nature and the scope of its 
risks and benefits. Governments later supported the development of civilian nuclear 
energy, primarily for the generation of electricity. In the post-war period, 
governments played an increasing overall role in the economies of the industrial 
countries. Science and technology were essential instruments of government action 
and nuclear energy was a highly visible symbol of their successful application.

In the 1980s and 90s, problems with exclusive government ownership and control 
of production equipment appeared. Governments came under pressure to cut 
expenditures and diminish their direct involvement in the economy. Expanding 
international trade forced all industries to be more competitive. Markets were 
championed as an alternative to government direction and regulation. Simultaneously, 
environmental protection and the concept of sustainable development increased in 
importance in policy making, whilst the need to ensure security of energy supplies 
persisted or even increased.

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