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Nuclear power industry winding down world-wide

Is Nuclear Power Being Phased Out? Aol Energy, By , December 8, 2011 Nuclear is not so hot these days. The percentage of nuclear electrical generation worldwide is shrinking as countries slow or halt new construction and in some cases even close existing plants in favor of other types of power, according to the latest Vital Signs Online (VSO) report released by the Washington DC-based think tank Worldwatch Institute. Although nuclear provided 6% of the world’s energy in 2001, it constituted only 5% of the world’s energy portfolio in 2010.

While the Fukushima reactor meltdown has had a large impact accelerating the trend of nuclear retirements, nuclear power’s growth has also been slowing in recent years because it is very expensive to build and there have long been public concerns about its safety.

“Not only is nuclear too risky from a health and security point of view, it’s also just too expensive,” said Director of Worldwatch’s Climate and Energy program, Alexander Ochs. “Whereas renewable energy sources are growing at rates of up to 70% and more on an annual basis, nuclear energy is the only major energy technology experiencing negative growth.”

The report found that world nuclear capacity fell from 375.5 GW at the end of 2010 to 366.5 GW in 2011. Only four countries added new nuclear between 2009 and 2010: The Czech Republic, Romania, Slovakia and the United States.

And in 2011, only two countries, India and Pankistan, are constructing new reactors. During the first 10 months of 2011, 13 nuclear reactors were closed globally, reducing the world’s total from 441 in the beginning of this year to 433 currently…..

December 30, 2011 - Posted by | 2 WORLD, business and costs

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