Sept (NucNet): A public opinion poll commissioned by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) indicates that 62% of respondents support the continued use of existing nuclear power plants. The poll asked 18,000 people in 18 countries for the views about nuclear power. Details of the poll are included in a report by IAEA director-general Mohamed ElBaradei, entitled 'Nuclear Technology Review 2006', which was published by the agency in July 2006.*

Dr ElBaradei's report says: "Although expectations for nuclear power are rising, a recent global public opinion survey commissioned by the agency shows a continuing diversity of views… there was substantial diversity across countries."

Although 62% of respondents wished to keep existing plants running, when asked about the construction of new nuclear plants, 59% said they did not favour new-build.

However, when told about nuclear power's low greenhouse gas emissions, the percentage of respondents in favour of expanding nuclear power increased from 28% to 38%, and the percentage opposing expansion fell from 59% to 47%.

* 'Nuclear Technology Review', is published every two years. It has been released in advance of the IAEA's general conference of member states, which opens on 18 September in Vienna . - Nuclear Technology Review' and other publications, including the IAEA's -Annual Report 2005', are available in pdf format on the agency's web site at: http://www.iaea.org/About/Policy/GC/GC50/GC50InfDocuments/English/gc50inf-3_en.pdf