What makes God laugh? Answer – people who say they have plans.
That old one-liner could now become the motto of the world’s nuclear industry. After a decade during which nuclear power has gradually regained its credibility in the eyes of the public, a single uncontrollable event has reminded everyone of the risks associated with nuclear power plants.
The nuclear sector certainly has plans. Almost 400 new stations have been proposed around the world – many to meet Asia’s growing need for electricity but also 16 in the US, 11 in the UK and more across the European continent. Hostility to nuclear power had been reversed in Sweden and many in the industry had hoped that it could be reversed in Germany as well.