London (PRWEB via PRWebDirect) July 5, 2007 -- ABS Energy Research has just released a detailed study of the contemporary nuclear energy industry. International in scope and comprehensive in nature, the report is essential reading for energy professionals, legislators, and lobbyists everywhere.
ABS's new report covers the current base of nuclear power and history of nuclear power development, outlines the technologies, and discusses the safety issues, the contemporary scene and possible future developments. While the pace of nuclear energy development stalled and fell off in the late 1970's due to political pressure stemming from public safety concerns, contemporary trends point to a potential resurgence in nuclear power.
First, environmental consciousness means power policy professionals are looking for achievable alternatives to fossil fuels. Nuclear stations are more efficient than hydro or thermal stations and generate no greenhouse gas emissions. Second, public perceptions of nuclear safety lag behind the sophisticated safety measures being engineered into state of the art nuclear plants.
Among report highlights are:
* In 2007 there are 442 nuclear power reactors in operation in 38 countries, with total generating capacity of 370,721 MW,
* The first commercial nuclear power plant was commissioned in the UK in 1956 and by 2005 nuclear power provided 6.5% of the world's primary energy consumption and 9% of electricity generation.
* No fewer than 20 countries are rethinking their positions on nuclear energy. While official projections have shown a steady decline in the nuclear industry, these may not be borne out. Coal has already rebounded and circumstances may dictate that nuclear may well do the same.
* Public perception of nuclear energy is generally negative, but in some countries, such as Finland, perceptions have recently changed.
* Developing new plants is still very expensive, but standardized designs are bringing down development costs.
* Analysts are rethinking the costs and security of gas supplies.
For a copy of ABS Energy Research's wide-ranging report on nuclear energy and it's role in power generation, please visit www.absenergyresearch.com. An order form can be found in the pdf file attached to this press release.
Contact:
Melany Krangle
ABS Energy Research
+44 (0) 20 8 432 6378
melanykrangle @ absenergyresearch.com
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