Abstract

After a first wave in the 60s and a second one in the 70s, we are probably entering, because of the cost of oil and of the debate over global warming, a third wave of civil nuclear power. This wave can be sustainable only if nuclear power’s competitiveness is guaranteed –which precludes small markets and small reactors– and if safety, security and nonproliferation conditions are completely met.Jean Syrota, former CEO of Cogema, has been president of the Energy regulation Commission from 2000 to 2006. He is now president of the Energy Commission of the Centre d’analyse stratégique.