Editor's letter

Trading and regulation have been changing at such a rate recently, it's difficult for software to keep pace. In this issue's Energy Risk software survey, 44% of respondents said they had changed their software in the last 12 months. One technology consultant said he's seeing an unprecedented amount of major new software installation currently occurring at investment banks.

The good news is that most respondents reported an increased software budget this year compared with last year, which bodes well for the advancement of energy trading and risk management software as a whole. The results of our survey are published on page 16 – they reveal which software developers are viewed as the industry's leading providers.

This month our Special Report looks at the nuclear industry, with features on the state of play in both the US and Europe, and a focus on the uranium market and whether it has the potential to become a financially traded market.

On the theme of potential new markets, this issue also brings you an article by Oliver Holtaway looking at the possibilities for the start of an emissions trading scheme in Canada.

And finally, this month we are seeking entries for the Energy Risk awards. If your company deserves recognition for excellence in energy risk management, please send us your entries this month. To nominate your company for an award please visit our website – www.energyrisk.com – for more details. The winners will be announced in our May issue.