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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Study finds declining construction leadtimes for nukes being built

Journal Article · · Electr. Light Power; (United States)
OSTI ID:5672970
A new Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) study of 26 nuclear projects shows a decrease in the leadtime for nuclear plants under construction in contrast to the findings of other studies. The EPRI study plots construction leadtime against the year of construction permit issuance rather than the year of completion, and it eliminates management delays, physical plant differences, and management differences. The result is a two-part trendline reflecting the discontinuity of regulatory ratchet effects, which cause 50% of construction leadtime delay while labor material delivery problems account for 20% and deliberate delays 22% of leadtime delay. When allowance is made for deliberate delays, there is no growth in construction leadtime. There was no correlation of utility finances, the accuracy of load growth forecasts, or the state regulatory environment to the length of construction. 3 figures, (DCK)
OSTI ID:
5672970
Journal Information:
Electr. Light Power; (United States), Journal Name: Electr. Light Power; (United States) Vol. 61:6; ISSN ELLPA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English