Of all the major new sources of energy, nuclear fission has received the most financial support. Correspondingly, its technology is the best developed. However, accidents such as the Chernobyl disaster of April 26, 1986, have raised questions as to the future large scale use of nuclear fission as a source of power. Worldwide growth in nuclear power use has slowed, a trend which is expected to continue (Table 4.1).Japan, South Korea and France are the countries with the most projected capacity additions while Western Europe and the United States have the largest installed nuclear capacity.

Credential: Wright, Raymond M. JAMAICA’S ENERGY: Old Prospects, New Resources. Kingston: Petroleum Corporation of Jamaica, 1996.

Natural gas is on its way to becoming the most important fuel in electricity generation. Gas is cleaner than coal oriole, and concerns about the adverse health impacts of fuels have encouraged its use, as has its utilization in electricity generation, such as combined cycle gas turbines.

Credential: Prepared by Petroleum Corporation of Jamaica, February 15, 2002