Evaluation of fuel cycle options for plutonium utilization: 1977 study. Final report
This is the third in a series of three reports on the analysis of plutonium recycle. Analyses are based upon an October, 1976, middle case ERDA forecast of nuclear growth which predicts 510 GWe of nuclear capacity in the year 2000. Four fuel cycle options were reviewed, ranging from no LWR recycle of uranium of plutonium to recycle options both with and without breeder reactors. A special effort was devoted to the review of various estimates of the costs of reprocessing nuclear fuels, with a resulting value of $190/kg of heavy metal (deflated 1975 dollars). The associated range is estimated to $125/kg to $250/kg. Sensitivity analysis of reprocessing costs, uranium consumption, average generation costs, and total discounted costs of electricity indicate that the long-term economic advantages of plutonium recycle are quite conclusive. Nuclear scenarios which project low growth rates and which delay the start of recycle and introduction of a breeder reactor postpone the apparent economic advantages.
- Research Organization:
- Battelle Columbus Labs., Ohio (USA)
- DOE Contract Number:
- NSF-C946
- OSTI ID:
- 5147798
- Report Number(s):
- PB-271493; TRN: 78-007410
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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