Small And Medium Power Reactors 1970 [antikvár]

FOREWORD The contribution of nuclear power to electricity generation is increasing in most industrialized countries. By 1980 the installed nuclear power of these countries will be about 300 000 MW(e), i.e. about 16% of the total generating capacity. The economic size of nuclear plants has grown steadily and most new units now ordered range from 800 to 1100 MW(e). Having smaller total power demands, the developing countries have smaller electric power grids, usually requiring unit sizes below 500 MW(e); with two-thirds of the world' s population, these countries have only one sixth of the electrical capacity. Because of the nuclear industry' s concentration on larger power plants the developing countries have been unable to take full advantage of the potential benefits of nuclear power; according to present estimates, in 1980 less than 10% of the total installed capacity in these countries will be nuclear. Recognizing the importance of this topic to developing Member States, the Agency convened a Symposium on Small and Medium Power Reactors in Oslo on 12 - 16 October 1970. This was part of a continuing program which has included internal studies, a panel in 1968, and the initiation of a series of co-ordinated research agreements on technical and cost assessments of medium-size nuclear power plants in 1970. More than 110 participants representing 36 countries and six international organizations discussed 31 papers during the meeting. The principal subjects of interest were the technological status of nuclear power plants up to 500 MW(e), their possible commercial availability, their current and projected costs and competitive position vis-a-vis conventional plants, their potential market size, and possible steps which could be taken to enhance their availability and competitive position. The proceedings of the symposium and a summary of the closing panel discussion are published in this volume. It is hoped that the book will be useful to developing countries in planning nuclear power programs and will encourage the industrialized countries to pay more attention to the indicated need for competitive offers of nuclear power plants below 500 MW(e). The Agency wishes to thank the authors, participants and the chairmen of the various sessions for their contributions to the symposium, and the Government of Norway for acting as host.