NUCLEAR POWER FOR A SUSTAINABLE ENERGY FUTURE
Statement by the Australian Nuclear Association Inc - October 2003
The world population is predicted to increase from six to nine billion in the next 50 years, mainly in developing countries. These countries currently have low per capita incomes and expectations of an improved living standard requiring more energy. This greater energy need cannot be met by fossil fuels without serious problems arising due to air pollutants, greenhouse gases and depletion of reserves for use by future generations. While renewable sources of energy such as solar, wind, waves, biomass and geothermal, can make a contribution and deserve support, many of these sources are limited by their dilute and intermittent nature, their cost and their large requirement for land area. Most population growth will be in large urban areas in developing countries which will require large base load electricity generation capacity. The only proven economic option to generate this energy with minimal air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions in the foreseeable future is nuclear power supported by cleaner use of fossil fuels and renewable sources in favourable locations.