The Chernobyl accident in Ukraine 20 years ago showed what the world already knew: that atomic energy is dangerous in inept hands. There are few lessons more tragic than the deaths and contamination that resulted from the disaster. But it was a timely reminder of the safeguards necessary when dealing with nuclear power.
Chernobyl caused a rethink on nuclear energy and much of the world opted to begin looking for alternative ways of producing electricity. None has proven as effective, however, and as oil prices rise, reserves dwindle, concern grows about energy security and fears heighten that burning fossil fuels is causing the world's temperatures to increase, nuclear is back on the agenda.
Nuclear power does not pollute and is more reliable than wind, solar and other alternatives. Although reactors are expensive, they are more cost-effective over time than oil and gas.
With burgeoning energy needs, Asia is leading the way with nuclear power, with dozens of reactors being built and on the drawing boards, particularly in China and India. The US is embarking on a new nuclear power programme and Europe's first reactors since Chernobyl are under construction.
The Chernobyl reactor was of a type built only in the former Soviet Union, of which Ukraine was a part at the time. Experts have put the explosion in the No4 reactor at the power plant down to operator error and design flaws. Secrecy meant that the cloud of radiation that was released had spread across much of Europe before authorities admitted to the accident.
Cleanup work has been costly and continues to cause concern. Ukraine says more than US$15 billion has been spent and that billions more are needed because the protective concrete sarcophagus encasing the reactor is crumbling.
