World Nuclear Association
World Nuclear Association is a London based nuclear industry lobby group that seeks "to promote nuclear power as a sustainable energy resource". Established in 1975, the lobby was formerly known as the Uranium Institute but in 2001 changed its name to the World Nuclear Association. The lobby argues that there is a need for "5,000 new reactors worldwide at a minimum" to adequately address the world's electricity needs. Nuclear Energy is "not just an option but a necessity for survival" WNA argues.(The Guardian, August 12, 2004)
In a speech, John Ritch, the director general of WNA said: "As a step toward energy independence and as an urgent environmental imperative, it is essential that national governments take the steps necessary to incentivise immediate nuclear investments." Ritch advocated accelerating "the nuclear renaissance for reasons of national interest and the global environment". (Sunday Telegraph, May 1, 2005) On other occasions, he has called public opposition to nuclear energy "irrational". (Sunday Telegraph, July 11, 2004)
While the WNA is confident that it can overcome the resistance of some european countries to nuclear energy, according to Stephen Kidd, its director of strategy and research, "[u]ntil the US starts building a large number of new reactors, any recovery elsewhere will not be that pronounced, as everyone looks to the US as the leader" (Financial Times, November 10, 2004)
Key Personnel
- Director General: John Ritch
- Chairman: Jose Luis Gonzalez
- Vice Chairman: Ralf Güldner
- Director of Strategy & Research: Stephen Kidd
Council of Advisors
Contact Details
| Web Address: | http://www.world-nuclear.org |
| Address: | Carlton House, 22a St. James's Square London, SW1Y 4JH United Kingdom |
| Phone: | +44 (0)20 7451 1520 |
| Fax: | +44 (0)20 7839 1501 |
