Energy choices for the future

The development of modern society has been intimately linked with the expansion of energy supplies. The world has reached a situation where it has become apparent that it cannot continue along the same path on the basis of exploitation of depleting low cost oil and gas reserves. A range of apparent choices is open but only the joint exploitation of coal and nuclear power appear to offer a sure means of providing for energy growth and, in due course, substituting for oil and gas. The full realization of the nuclear contribution is dependent upon the development of the fast reactor, though the timing of its introduction has to be based on judgments on the rate of expansion of electricity demand and the future availability of uranium.