According to a new report from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), nuclear power continued as an important source of electricity in 1995, accounting for 22 percent of total worldwide electric generation. The report, "Nuclear Power Generation and Fuel Cycle Report 1996," projects continued worldwide growth for nuclear plants in the near term, but uncertain long-term prospects.
Worldwide, nuclear plants generated
2,225 terawatt-hours in 1995, a four percent increase from 1994 (one terawatt equals 1000 gigawatts, or one million megawatts). The study adds that four commercial nuclear power plants were connected to electric power grids in 1995, and one plant was reconnected after a six-year shutdown. The study found 437 nuclear units in operation at the end of 1995, as two plants were retired during that year. There were 85 nuclear units under construction at the end of 1995, including 32 units in the Far East.