SANTIAGO, April 18 (Xinhuanet) -- Chile is bracing for its era of nuclear power, with the Southern American country's top nuclear scientist declaring "readiness for the moment."

    "We have the responsibility of being ready for the moment when a decision is made," Roberto Hojman, the Chilean Commission of Nuclear Power, said on Sunday, quoted by the local press.

    At a ceremony to mark the 41st anniversary of the commission, Hojman stressed the need for boosting power supply to meet the increasing demand from the economic development.

    He said the situation "makes us consider the option of the nuclear fission as a possible source of electric power," although "this alternative is not yet put on the agenda."

    It is "a valid choice," as there are already 440 nuclear plants across the world and more than 40 others under construction. Nuclear power plants in 30 countries, including the United States, France, Japan, the United Kingdom and South Korea, are supplying 16 percent of the world's total electricity, according to Chilean scientists.

    They believe progress in science and technology has made it possible for a safe use of nuclear power in Chile.

    "The Chernobyl-style nuclear plants are out of date and out of mind," Hojman said.

    Claudio Tenreiro, the former manager of the commission, said that enriched uranium for a nuclear plant has been downgraded nearly 20 percent from Uranium 235 to Uranium 238, rendering it unsuitable for making an atomic bomb. Enditem