A perspective on nuclear power generation in the future electric power industry-for nonspecialists in the electric power related industries

Abstract

There is a diversity of opinions and policies on nuclear power generation, which involves a large number of stakeholders. Although public acceptance is indispensable, public attitudes toward nuclear power are ambivalent. The understanding of a broad spectrum of engineers engaged in the electric power industry should form the basis for social acceptance, since nuclear power should be evaluated from the overall perspective of energy supply and demand. The electricity industry today has to deal with some fundamental problems such as competition, stability of the supply of electric power and global environmental issues. The value of nuclear power,er generation depends upon the socio-economic conditions of a region where it is provided. In any case, nuclear power technology of some form seems to be the only solution to these energy-related problems from the long-term perspective based on today's knowledge. In the meantime, a peculiarity of nuclear technology is public concern over safety, radioactive waste disposal, and misuse. Currently, there are several R&D programs aiming to solve these questions, from the improvement of large capacity power generation reactors and small-size reactors for various energy applications, to innovative fast breeder reactors. There seems to be no single technology that will satisfy the demands of all stakeholders. Increasing the technological options through R&D will ease public acceptance, together with efforts to abolish nuclear weapons and ensure transparency in industrial activities.