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U.S. Department of Energy
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Evaluation of fuel cycle options for plutonium utilization: 1975 study. Final report

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:5216511

Five options for the nuclear fuel cycle were evaluated, ranging from direct disposal (throwaway) concept to the use of plutonium in light water and breeder reactors. The evaluation included: comparison of the cost of each option to the United States and to consumers; determination of the impacts of the options on the consumption of natural uranium and the demand for mining, milling, and enrichment; and determination of the technical feasibility and practicality of each option. The criteria used for evaluating the options were limited to: annual cost of electricity to the consumer in 1975 dollars; present value (discounted) cost of electricity to the consumer in 1975 dollars; demand for enrichment capacity; demand and cumulative consumption of natural uranium; and requirements for fuel cycle capacity. The study was based upon the 1975 ERDA moderate low prediction of nuclear capacity growth which predicted a level of 800 GWe in the year 2000.

Research Organization:
Battelle Columbus Labs., Ohio (USA)
OSTI ID:
5216511
Report Number(s):
PB-271491
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English