The autumn of 2010 has, in its turn, brought a trial of strength between anti-nuclear protestors and the authorities – in this case, over the train transporting 123 tons of nuclear waste between La Hague in France and Dannenberg in Germany. However, this episode, despite its spectacular nature and media impact, does not provide a true reflection of public opinion – and European opinion, in particular – with regard to nuclear power.
As Pierre Bonnaure shows here, in the context of a progressive exhaustion of fossil fuels and the battle against climate change – which involves a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions – nuclear power may well recover its credibility. Public opinion seems less averse to it; states are developing new projects and ambitious nuclear programmes; and prospects in terms of resources (particularly, uranium) and technological developments seem set fair.
After surveying the field and examining these various aspects, Pierre Bonnaure also reminds us of the remaining stumbling blocks: the question of radioactive waste, the lack of qualified labour in this sector and the funding difficulties. However, in these areas, it only needs states to make a substantial investment to consolidate an energy sector that has a bright future, provided it is assured of a technological research potential and safety conditions commensurate with the risks inherent in nuclear power.
