The projected 32-percent drop in nuclear-generated electric power stems from the retirement of 40 percent of current nuclear capacity, as many reactors reach the ends of their 40-year nominal operating lives. New, higher estimates of available resources, coupled with improvements in location and extraction technologies, drive down prices for natural gas and coal. Those lower prices are primarily responsible for the slow market penetration of renewable generating technologies. And despite efficiency improvements, greater use of fossil fuels leads to higher carbon emissions.

EIA's Annual Energy Outlook 1996 (AEO96) includes a range of forecast cases that incorporate varying assumptions about technology, productivity, economic growth rates, and world petroleum prices. AEO96 also incorporates analysis of all energy-related legislation in effect as of October 1,1995, including provisions of the Climate Change Action Plan, as well as analysis of the effects of the November 1995 repeal of the 22-year-old ban on exports of Alaskan crude oil.

For general information about energy data and analysis, contact the National Energy Information Center at (202) 586-8800 or via Email at infoctr@eia.doe.gov.For more information about AEO96, contact Susan Holte, Office of Integrated Analysis and Forecasting, Energy Information Administration, at 202-586-4838 or via Internet E-Mail at sHolte@eia.doe.gov. You can access and download AEO96 (1.9Mb) by clicking on the publication information box above. Click here to view the Highlights section (0.8Kb). If you have problems, contact wmaster@eia.doe.gov or call 202-586-2753.