Against this background, Greenpeace worked with the International Institute for Energy Conservation (IIEC) to research this report which gives examples of energy efficiency and renewable energy technology currently in use and being developed in Central and Eastern Europe. It shows how countries in the region can reduce their dependence on nuclear power and fossil fuels. The report outlines case studies in Russia, Ukraine, Czech and Slovakia, but there are more examples in these countries and other countries in the region. These case studies are just the beginning, they give a brief glance at what is already available.

N u c l e a r   E n e r g y
N o   S o l u t i o n   t o   C l i m a t e   C h a n g e

The nuclear industry is in near-terminal decline world-wide, following its failure to establish itself as a clean, cheap, safe or reliable energy source. The on-going crisis in nuclear waste management, in safety and in economic costs have severely undermined the industry’s credibility. It is currently desperate to find a valid rationale and justification for renewed state support and funding. It is promoting the claim that as nuclear power stations do not emit carbon dioxide, the major greenhouse gas, switching from fossil fuels to nuclear power is the only way to cut Carbon Dioxide (CO2) without radically changing consumption patterns. However, even the most perfunctory examination of the issue shows that nuclear power has no role whatever in tackling global climate change. In fact quite the opposite is true; any resources expended on attempting to advance nuclear power as a viable solution would inevitably detract from genuine measures to reduce the threat of global warming.

"N e w   E n e r g y  D e a l"

The "Atoms for Peace" dream turned out to be a failure. None of its promises have been realised. In spite of the massive financial and scientific investments and prioritisation above all other energy sources, nuclear power did not solve the energy problem. It did not provide the world with an abundant supply of electricity that is "too cheap to meter". Ten years after the Chernobyl accident, it has become even clearer that nuclear power is an ultimate problem, rather than the ultimate solution...

Since the very beginning of its existance, Greenpeace campaigned to unveil the "Atoms for Peace" myth. Now Greenpeace is helping to contribute to the realisation of a realistic, safe and sustainable alternative that will fulfil all the promises which the "Atoms for Peace" deal could not. This "New Energy Deal" is the only way out of the dead end street of the nuclear era...