CNPP Introduction

In 2004, nuclear power provided about 16% of the world's electricity, with 441 units operating in 30 countries. As part of its programmes in the field of nuclear power, the IAEA compiles information from its Member States about the operational and institutional framework of their nuclear power programmes, among other aspects. Technical data are additionally maintained and analysed through the IAEA's databases covering energy, electricity, and nuclear power status and trends. These databases include the Power Reactor Information System (PRIS) and the Energy and Economic Data Bank (EEDB), which have long assisted Member States by serving as central sources of reliable information in this field.

The CNPP compiles background information on the status and development of nuclear power programmes in countries having operating nuclear plants and/or plants under construction as of 1 January 2004, and in countries actively engaged in planning such a programme. It presents historical information on energy supply and demand; reviews the organizational and industrial aspects of nuclear power programmes in participating countries for the same period; and provides information about the relevant legislative, regulatory and international framework in each country. Topics such as reactor safety, nuclear fuel cycle, radioactive waste management and research programmes are for the most part not discussed in detail. Statistical data about nuclear plant operations, population, energy and electricity use are largely drawn from the PRIS and EEDB sources as of the end of 2004 and 2002, respectively.

The compilation's main objectives are to consolidate information on the nuclear power infrastructures in participating countries, and to present factors related to the effective planning, decision making and implementation of nuclear power programmes that together lead to safe and economic operations. Altogether 30 IAEA Member States having operating nuclear power plants, as well as Bangladesh, Egypt, Islamic Republic of Iran, Italy, Kazakhstan, Poland, Turkey and Vietnam have contributed information to the publication's major sections. Designated experts from these countries participated in a series of advisory and consultants meetings covering specific subject areas, as well as the structure, scope and preparation of the publication. The publication's descriptive and statistical overview of the overall economic, energy and electricity situation in each country, and its nuclear power framework is intended to serve as an integrated source of key background information about nuclear power programmes in the world. Each of the 39 profiles in this publication contains information officially provided by the respective national authorities. This publication is updated and the scope of coverage is expanded annually.

To facilitate the review of information and performing of analyses by the reader, two annexes have been added to the profiles: Annex I provides an overview of the global development of advanced nuclear power plants covering all reactor types, i.e. water cooled reactors, gas cooled reactors, and liquid metal cooled reactors. Annex II provides summary tables for the year 2004 with PRIS data. It contains the status of nuclear power reactors in Member States and individual reactors connected to the grid and under construction. Links are prepared to facilitate easy and direct access to web sites of nuclear related organizations. However, each country profile contains an Appendix "Directory of the main organizations, institutions and companies involved in nuclear power related activities", with addresses, telephone and facsimile numbers, and web site addresses.