Germany seeks public support for nuclear power plants

The current nuclear power program in the German Federal Republic is based on technology that came originally from the U.S. The program is being loudly opposed by environmental pressure groups. An information campaign has been launched to inform the public about the issues involved and has three primary objectives: (1) to provide information on the energy demand, the relationship of economic growth and energy consumption, of research and development for the efficient and economical utilization of energy as well as for the new energy sources; (2) to increase knowledge of the organization and the physical and technical aspects of nuclear power stations, of the nuclear fuel cycle, and of reactor safety with special consideration for environmental influence; and (3) to increase the public's confidence in the functioning of democratic processes in the nuclear energy controversy and to restore confidence where necessary. On this basis an attempt will be made to bring about a broad consensus on the need for this new source of energy, its safety, and the resulting strains that can be reasonably expected to be accepted. The campaign is divided into two areas: the supply of information and the dialogue with the public. (MCW)