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| The Economist Daily Chart |
The important number is to the right---by percent, the importance of nuclear power to satisfy domestic energy needs in selected country's...France is by far the leader in the use of nuclear power.
The world's largest nuclear-energy producers
""THE explosions and meltdown fears at Fukushima Daiichi nuclear-power plant that followed Friday’s earthquake have increased concerns in Japan about the safety of nuclear power. The country is not well placed to move away from it though, with only America and France producing more electricity from nuclear sources. Germany, which yesterday suspended a deal to delay closing its ageing nuclear plants, is the world’s sixth-largest producer. In percentage terms the story is rather different. Nuclear power in Japan accounts for just 29% of total domestic power production, putting Japan 15th on the list of the most nuclear-reliant countries. It ranks far below France, where nuclear power makes up three-quarters of electricity production.""
The tragedy in Japan is very unfortunate and will have obvious ripple effects across the world economy. Especially with the compromised condition of the thir largest nuclear power producer in the world. It seems to me that there is no fast and effective alternative and that the nuclear plant meltdown will indirectly intensify the batle for energy in oil. The tsunami may in fact lead to more violence in counrties such as Libya. We definantly live in very turbulent times right now.
ReplyDeleteIt's pretty crazy that France can rely on nuclear power for 75% of its power while we still output so much more despite it only being 20% of our total energy income. How much energy do we use in America? These numbers are getting pretty ridiculous... time to turn off some lights.
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