Rising expectations best characterize the current prospects of nuclear power in a world that is
confronted with a burgeoning demand for energy, higher energy prices, energy supply
security concerns and growing environmental pressures. It appears that the inherent economic
and environmental benefits of the technology and its excellent performance record over the
last twenty years are beginning to tilt the balance of political opinion and public acceptance in
favour of nuclear power. Nuclear power is a cost-effective supply-side technology for
mitigating climate change and can make a substantial contribution to climate protection.
This paper reviews the current status of nuclear power and its fuel cycle and provides an
outlook on where nuclear power may be headed in the short-to-medium run (20 to 40 years
from now).