CNPP Introduction

In 2008, nuclear power provided about 14% of the world's electricity, with 439 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 Base (EEDB), which have long assisted Member States by serving as central sources of reliable information in this field.

The CNPP 2009 edition compiles background information on the status and development of nuclear power programmes in countries having operating nuclear plants and/or plants under construction 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 drawn from the PRIS, EEDB, World Development Indicators (WDI) of the World Bank and the national contributions.

The compilation's main objectives are to consolidate information about 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, Ghana, Indonesia, the Islamic Republic of Iran, Italy, Kazakhstan, Nigeria, Philippines, Poland, Thailand, Tunisia, 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 44 profiles in this publication is self-standing and 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, three topics 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 four summary tables with PRIS and EEDB data. It contains the status of nuclear power reactors in Member States, individual reactors connected to the grid and under construction, and the main data (population, economic, energy, electricity and energy related ratio data). Annex III facilitates easy and direct access to web sites of nuclear related organizations. Also, 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 sites.