New builds of nuclear reactors around the world may be delayed to integrate amended safety standards due to the Fukushima accident, but "there is no question outside of Japan to cancel new build programs or stop current constructions," French state-controlled nuclear engineering firm Areva SA (CEI.FR) believes, according to an internal document read by Dow Jones Newswires Tuesday.

In the document, Areva assessed "the potential business impacts on the nuclear industry," gauging the reactions of countries with a nuclear installed base or/and a new build program, noting that most "have had pretty rational reactions" following the accident at the Fukushima plant, operated by Japanese utility Tokyo Electric Power Co. Inc. (9501.TO).

Most countries announced safety reviews on their existing nuclear power plants, including checkups in 14 European countries, while a few countries also announced a review of their safety standards.

"Only Germany directly announced more stringent measures regarding its installed base," with the temporary shut-down of its seven oldest plants and a three-month moratorium on lifetime extension, Areva said in the document.

"Very few countries decided on a pause for reflection in their nuclear new build program," the group said, as those countries announced "measures mainly driven by a protective approach aiming to prevent and/or contain over-reactions."

"It is the responsibility of the nuclear players to keep a rational eye on this event, which is in no way comparable to Chernobyl neither technically nor in terms of consequences," Areva also said in the document.

Areva continued: "to date, the event in Fukushima power plant is not over. Once it's possible, the nuclear industry will take into consideration all the lessons learned in order to make nuclear industry even safer."

In Europe , the U.K. , the Czech Republic , Poland , Finland and the Netherlands "have pretty rational reactors and share a close position," Areva wrote, adding their new build programs "may be consequently delayed," but that there is no question to cancel or stop them.

South Africa for its part reaffirmed nuclear was part of its energy mix while China's state council temporarily suspended approval of new nuclear plants and ordered a safety review but confirmed, like India, its will to continue with its nuclear new build programs "relying on, most advanced standards," Areva said.

In Northern America , "most Canadian provinces involved in a new build program confirmed their commitment," Areva said.

In the U.S., "in general, reactions by the political leaders are rational" and both the White House and the country's nuclear regulatory commission have expressed confidence in nuclear energy, the group added, noting that "other than those who were previously anti-nuclear, opinion leaders also retain in a 'wait-and-see' mode."

But U.S.-based utilities "continue to be very quiet," it also said.

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