Economics and Financing of Future Power: Is There a Case for Nuclear?
Main Article Content
Abstract
Nuclear power's contribution to meeting the world's growing demand for electricity must be reconciled with: 1) fundamental changes taking place in the ownership of and competitive forces affecting the power sector; 2) growing concern about the safety of nuclear plants in the post-communist countries; 3) the growing pressure for policies to address the risk of climate change; and 4) increased reliance on natural gas for power generation. The inherent uncertainty surrounding these developments influences the financing of power projects. Nuclear has a role, albeit increasingly difficult to sustain on conventional commercial or market terms as they are currently defined. Any argument in favour of nuclear therefore must be addressed by governments, conscious of tile uncertainties about the future. If the nuclear option is to be sustained, it must be done as a deliberate policy decision by governments.
Article Details
Section
Articles