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The biggest nuclear power programme in Europe, that of France,
continues at an impressive pace. Nuclear power is already providing more
than 70% of France's electric energy, and a somewhat reduced rate of
ordering new plants had already begun before Chernobyl. The French
programme has been very successful. It is based on standardized PWRS,
permitting a systematic feedback of experience.
The large installed
capacity has enabled France not only to keep electricity prices low, but
also to become a major electricity exporter
billion
more than 5 billion francs.
last year to the tune of
In the Federal Republic of Germany, nuclear power has become a
party political issue. While the governing Christian Democratic party
has remained staunchly supportive of nuclear power, the Social Democratic
party favours a phasing out of the nuclear power plants which are now
already providing more than 30% of the country's electric energy. A
strong anti-nuclear environmentalist party is another factor. The
national elections early this year maintained the Christian Democrats in
power, together with the Liberal Party. The nuclear power programme
therefore continues, though with various problems caused by the strong
opposition. The delay in the start-up of the completed Kalkar fast
breeder plant is a case in point.
In the United Kingdom, the positive conclusion of the public
inquiry into the building of the Sizewell nuclear power plant and the
determination of the UK government to give a planning approval for the
construction of new nuclear power plants are highly important for today's
Within the OECD countries, this places the United Kingdom
nuclear world.
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