Nuclear economics

Journal Article · Wed Mar 01 00:00:00 EST 1978 · Elements (Wash., D.C.); (United States)

OSTI ID:6013039

New York economists, whose role in financing the nuclear industry has an impact on electricity demand, have concluded that nuclear power is inevitable in spite of rising construction costs, uncertainties, and the clear need for greater government subsidies. Their support for nuclear energy recognizes that there are no alternatives and that renewable energy sources are not commercially viable. Nuclear opponents claim the industry's economic disaster is evident in the number of cancelled projects and a lower operating capacity at existing plants than was projected. Economists agree with some of the charges, but point to improvements in new plants and the low costs of nuclear power compared to fossil fuels, although this could change with a breakthrough in scrubber technology. Critics also point to the size of government subsidies, particularly in spent fuel disposal, but bankers insist there is a future for the industry.

• OSTI ID: 6013039
• Journal Information: Elements (Wash., D.C.); (United States), Vol. 38
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

29 ENERGY PLANNING
POLICY AND ECONOMY
21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS
NUCLEAR POWER PLANTS
FINANCING
CONSTRUCTION
ECONOMIC ANALYSIS
ECONOMICS
NUCLEAR FACILITIES
POWER PLANTS
THERMAL POWER PLANTS
290600* - Energy Planning & Policy- Nuclear Energy
210800 - Nuclear Power Plants- Economics