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Title: Outline for an acceptable nuclear future

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:5432580

Nuclear energy is likely to develop in two phases. Phase I, based on burner reactors, is self-limiting because the reserve of uranium is limited. Phase II, based on breeders, might last for an extremely long time. It is suggested that opposition to Phase I of nuclear energy might be reduced if an acceptable Phase II can be constructed. Elements of an acceptable Phase II might include isolated and collocated energy centers with resident IAEA inspectors; heavier security; professionalization of the nuclear cadre; immortality of the operating entities; and separation of generation and distribution. Though these measures are aimed primarily at increasing the safety and reliability of the nuclear system, it is suggested that the proposed siting policy, with IAEA resident inspection, might be more proliferation-resistant than is the current dispersed system.

Research Organization:
Institute for Energy Analysis, Oak Ridge, Tenn. (USA)
DOE Contract Number:
EY-76-C-05-0033
OSTI ID:
5432580
Report Number(s):
ORAU/IEA(O)-77-17; TRN: 77-017961
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English