اقتباس:Conclusion
Nuclear power plants in operation, including
those in deregulated markets, are generally competitive
since their marginal costs are low as compared
with alternatives. Furthermore, experience
shows a continued trend towards improving
operating performance of existing reactors as well
as economic performance.
The research, development and design efforts
being made by reactor designers could lead to
significant reductions in capital costs and construction
times for the next generation of reactors.
These reductions will be essential in order to lower
financial risks associated with nuclear energy and
to attract investors.
The economic goals of sustainable development
require that the full costs of a given technology
be factored into the price of its product. The
nuclear energy sector has gone a long way in this
direction and its present costs reflect a fairly complete
integration of environmental and social
burdens associated with nuclear electricity generation.
Therefore, the internalisation of external
costs for all technologies and energy sources
would likely enhance the competitiveness of
nuclear energy. However, this is likely to take
some time. Meanwhile, the nuclear industry must
be active in reducing its costs in a competitive
environment, while ensuring that high standards
are maintained with respect to health, safety and
environmental impacts. It must convince investors
and the public that nuclear energy is a good investment
for the future in the broadest economic,
environmental and social terms.