Enrichment: Dealing with overcapacity

Conference · Sun Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1989 · Transactions of the American Nuclear Society; (USA)

OSTI ID:5627711

Peterson, C H

Today's surplus of enrichment capacity will continue until at least the end of this century. This will challenge the ingenuity of the separative work unit (SWU) suppliers as they attempt to keep market share and remain profitable in a very competitive marketplace. The utilities will be faced with attractive choices, but making the best choice will require careful analysis and increased attention to market factors. Current demand projections will probably prove too high to the extent that more reactors are canceled or delayed. The DOE has the vast majority of the unused capacity, so it will feel the most immediate impact of this large surplus in productive capacity. The DOE has responded to these market challenges by planning another reorganization of its enriching operations. Without a major agreement among the governments affected by the current surplus in enrichment capacity, the future will see lower prices, more competitive terms, and the gradual substitution of centrifuge or laser enrichment for the gaseous diffusion plants. The competition that is forcing the gaseous diffusion prices down to marginal cost will provide the long-term price basis for the enrichment industry.

• OSTI ID: 5627711
• Report Number(s): CONF-8810179--
• Conference Information: Journal Name: Transactions of the American Nuclear Society; (USA) Journal Volume: 58
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

050500* -- Nuclear Fuels-- Uranium Enrichment
11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS
ACTINIDES
CENTRIFUGATION
DIFFUSION
ECONOMICS
ELEMENTS
ENERGY SURPLUSES
ENRICHED URANIUM
FORECASTING
FUEL CYCLE
GAS CENTRIFUGATION
GASEOUS DIFFUSION
INFLATION
ISOTOPE ENRICHED MATERIALS
ISOTOPE SEPARATION
MARKETING
MATERIALS
METALS
NATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
NUCLEAR FACILITIES
NUCLEAR POWER
NUCLEAR POWER PLANTS
POWER
POWER PLANTS
SEPARATION PROCESSES
SUPPLY AND DEMAND
THERMAL POWER PLANTS
URANIUM
US DOE
US ORGANIZATIONS