With 31 % the European Union is worldwide the leader in nuclear-based electricity generation. Different European countries continue with the extension of nuclear energy in order to cover the growing demand for electricity sustainably and without CO2 emissions.
Extension models for nuclear power are discussed and/or planned worldwide. Advanced developments of the proven light water reactors are preferred as Generation III+ plants in concrete plans for about 40 nuclear power plant units. They offer a maximum safety level with optimised resource utilisation and economy.
For the long-term development, the US-American Energy Ministry (US-DOE) initiated the GENERATION IV programme, with participation of Argentine, Brazil, Canada, France, Japan, South Korea, South Africa, Switzerland, Great Britain and EURATOM. The project is aiming at the development of six reactor types with improved safety, reliability and economy. Russia, India, China and South Africa are having their own developments under way.
More Information:
Guido Vallana, Phone: +49-(0)201-8128-242
mailto:guido.vallana@vgb.org
On September 21, 2005, the EU Commission has adopted the Thematic Strategy on Air Pollution. The study shall help to get under control the problems regarding the impairment of human health by air pollution and problems through acidification, eutrophication and ground-level ozone. According to the strategy EU emissions shall be abated from 2002 until 2020 for SO2 by 82 %, for NOx by 60 %, for VOC by 51 %, for ammonia by 27 % and for PM 2,5 by 59 %.
http://www.vgb.org/news_e_pm2_5.html
In the research project "Non-destructive Testing of Material Amendments in Creep-stressed Power Plant Components" several, non-destructive procedures are to be combined. The feasibility study aims at determining the meaningfulness of non-destructive test measures concerning early recognition of creep damage in the form of creep pores in heat-resistant power plant technology steels. Actually, the irreversible structure changes (creep pores) are detected by means of component metallography within the framework of recurring testing. Other proven, non-destructive testing methods are not available.
http://www.vgb.org/research_project269.html
EURELECTRIC and VGB are jointly organising a Workshop on the impacts of the Clean Air for Europe (CAFE) programme on the electricity industry. The aim of the CAFE programme is to develop long-term integrated strategic advice on policies to protect against significant effects of air pollution on human health and the environment. The Workshop would serve as a Forum to exchange views between policy-makers and members of the electricity industry about the likely impacts of the CAFE Programme on the electricity industry, both from a political and technical perspective.
http://www.vgb.org/cafe_ws.html
The new edition of the VGB information brochure Figures and Facts about Electricity Generation is now available for download.
http://www.vgb.org/data_powergeneration.html