Interest in nuclear power is growing across the world as indicated by the start of construction on 10 new reactors last year, a U.N. agency has reported.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Vienna in its 2008 review says while no new reactors came online last year, the 10 new starts represented the largest number in any one year since 1985.
With that, the number of nuclear reactors being built around the world rose to 44, the agency said.
The total number of nuclear power reactors in operation as of last year totaled 438, which together accounted for 14% of the world electricity supply.
The IAEA said expansion prospects continue to be centered in Asia, especially China and India.
The report said India planned to expand its civilian nuclear power program 15-fold in the next two decades.
"While every country has the right to use nuclear power as an energy source, it also has the responsibility to ensure that this energy source is employed in a safe and secure manner," the agency said.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Vienna in its 2008 review says while no new reactors came online last year, the 10 new starts represented the largest number in any one year since 1985.
With that, the number of nuclear reactors being built around the world rose to 44, the agency said.
The total number of nuclear power reactors in operation as of last year totaled 438, which together accounted for 14% of the world electricity supply.
The IAEA said expansion prospects continue to be centered in Asia, especially China and India.
The report said India planned to expand its civilian nuclear power program 15-fold in the next two decades.
"While every country has the right to use nuclear power as an energy source, it also has the responsibility to ensure that this energy source is employed in a safe and secure manner," the agency said.
