Summary of top-level Statements from ILK Statements and ILK Recommendations

ILK

The International Committee on Nuclear Technology (ILK) will cease its activities in 2009. Since its inception in 1999, it has adopted over 30 statements. The topics range from individual technical issues to overall assessments of nuclear energy, particularly regarding safety.

The paper summarizes the statements ILK has made on the general issues relating to nuclear energy utilization mostly over several statements. They are substantiated in detail in the cited ILK statements:

• Germany should use nuclear energy beyond the limitations laid out in the Atomic Energy Act. There are no safety-related arguments that oppose this move.
• The preconditions for maintaining the current high level of safety and to further improve on it are available.
• Concerning disposal of high-level radioactive waste, rapid progress can be made. All essential preconditions are fulfilled in this case. They should be politically utilized.
• A modern set of regulatory guidelines for nuclear power plants should be prepared in cooperation between the Federation and the Laender.