The output of nuclear plants in the European Union rose by 3% in 1999, according to the International Atomic Energy Authority. Nuclear power generated just over 825 billion kWh last year, up from 800 billion kWh in 1998.
Nuclear power produces 35% of the EU’s electricity demand. In Germany, output rose from 145.2 billion kWh to 160.4 billion kWh, corresponding to a rise in nuclear’s share from 28% to 31%, despite government opposition to nuclear power. In Sweden nuclear power accounted for 70 billion kWh, 47% of total output. This was a slight rise on 1998’s figure, even with the closure of Barsebäck 1 late last year.
France’s nuclear output rose from 368.4 billion kWh to 375 billion kWh, despite the disruption caused by severe storms and flooding at the end of the year. Nuclear’s share remained unchanged at 75%.
Belgium, which boasts Europe’s second largest nuclear share, increased nuclear output from 44 billion kWh to 46.6 billion kWh. The nuclear proportion rose from 55% to 58%.
In the UK the nuclear output was almost unchanged, at 91 billion kWh.
These was also little change in Spain and the Netherlands, with nuclear shares of 31% and 4%, respectively.
