A nuclear reconnaissance

The prospects for nuclear power will depend in the long run mainly on its perceived competitiveness-itself a function of relative costs and performance-and on success in finally disposing of nuclear wastes. This paper surveys some of the more significant recent news. Although nuclear electricity may seem a sleepy slow-moving subject, there have been major but little-noted developments in many areas. The paper discusses premature US plant closings and improved performance, a gathering storm over spent fuel in Europe and Japan, and an attitudinal change in Sweden.