The Swedish nuclear dilemma : energy and the environment / William D. Nordhaus.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Nordhaus, William D.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Nuclear industry--Sweden.

Nuclear industry.

Nuclear facilities--Decommissioning--Sweden.

Nuclear facilities.

Nuclear facilities--Decommissioning.

Environmental policy--Economic aspects.

Nuclear power plants--Environmental aspects.

Sweden.

Nuclear power plants--Environmental aspects--Sweden.

Nuclear power plants.

Energy policy--Sweden.

Energy policy.

Environmental policy--Economic aspects--Sweden.

Environmental policy.

Physical Description:

xii, 167 pages : illustrations ; 24 cm

Place of Publication:

Washington, D.C. : Resources for the Future, [1997]

Summary:

The requirement that energy and environmental policies be effective and efficient is magnified during times of economic stress. Launching his analysis of nuclear power with this need in mind, esteemed economist William Nordhaus presents an innovative framework for addressing difficult environmental and energy issues -- the type that all industrial nations face -- while producing a provocative assessment of nuclear power problems.

Responding primarily to safety concerns, the Swedish people called for a phaseout of nuclear power in a 1980 advisory referendum. Parliament decided to stop issuing nuclear licenses and declared that existing nuclear reactors should not be allowed to continue operating beyond the anticipated lifetime of the newest reactor. Many took this to mean that nuclear power would be phased out by 2010. Since 1980, however, numerous developments -- technological, environmental, economic, and political -- have necessitated a fresh look at the referendum.

Nordhaus examines the Swedish nuclear debate, deploying an innovative economic model that can be applied successfully to similarly difficult issues.

As 2010 approaches, should the Swedish government indeed phase out nuclear energy, or should it reconsider the intention in light of new development and information? Nordhaus discusses the impact of new factors such as the possible deregulation of electricity generation, efforts to address global climate change, and a weakened economy. What are the costs and benefits to eliminating nuclear power? Is a phaseout the most prudent approach? The Swedish Nuclear Dilemma casts these questions in a new light. As a one-time success story that has encountered stagnation, risingunemployment, and soaring debt since the 1980 referendum, Sweden will be an important laboratory in addressing its energy needs.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references and index.

ISBN:

0915707845

OCLC:

36767628