Straits Times 12 Jan 08;
PARIS - DESPITE controversy over safety, pollution and cost factors, nuclear power is rapidly gathering steam in the race to guarantee energy as emerging economies compete for fuel, particularly oil.
A decision by Britain on Thursday to build new nuclear power generation plants is the latest example of this trend for countries to renew or to begin building nuclear capacity.
Today, there are 442 nuclear power reactors at work in 201 power stations in 31 countries. Of these, 104 are in the US, 58 in France and 55 in Japan, together accounting for about half of the total.
A plant is under construction in Finland by the world-leading French nuclear power group Areva, headed by Ms Anne Lauvergeon, who says that 100 to 300 reactors will be built around the world by 2030. She wants Areva to build one third of these.
The US also expects to build new nuclear power stations, while Egypt, Morocco, Algeria and Libya too have voiced such intentions.
China, experiencing a huge increase in demand for energy, has ordered two European pressurised reactors (EPRs) from France, while India too wants to develop nuclear power but must first sign an agreement with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) ensuring that any such facilities would not be used to provide material for nuclear weapons.
Nuclear power produces little carbon dioxide, but it generates radioactive waste which is difficult to store with safety. But a surge in oil prices and commitments to combat the effect of carbon on global warming have re-opened debate on its benefits.
Also, the construction of a nuclear power station takes 10 years compared with four years to build a coal-fired plant.
The potential market is attracting interest from many companies, but there is always opposition from ecologists and people living near a planned site.
The head of French electricity generator and distributor EDF, Mr Pierre Gadonneix, said the biggest challenge for those who support nuclear energy is to make it acceptable to public opinion.
AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
Widespread technology
# There are 442 nuclear power reactors in 201 power stations in 31 countries.
# Of these, 104 are in the US, 58 in France and 55 in Japan.
# A plant is under construction in Finland, the US expects to build new nuclear power stations and Egypt, Morocco, Algeria and Libya too have voiced such intentions.
# China has ordered two European pressurised reactors from France.
