Many people therefore reject new nuclear plants in the belief that more accidents are inevitable. And apart from that, the industry still shows no sign of being able to get rid of its waste in safety. A third category of fuel comes under the heading of renewables. Some are tried and tested, like hydro-electric power, and many countries, for instance Norway, are already exploiting them to the full. Wind and wave power have promise, as does biomass - crops like willow which grow quickly and are increasingly being used for fuel.
Transport fuel based on renewable oilseed crops such as soybeans and rapeseed also has potential.
Solar power is coming on by leaps and bounds. There are already photo-voltaic cells which will provide power on a cloudy British winter's day, or even by moonlight. They are expensive, but a lot cheaper than similar cells were a few years ago. For vehicles, many motor manufacturers believe the future lies in fuel cells, which will power cars as effectively as now, but without relying on oil. They foresee a change from an oil-based economy to one based on hydrogen.