Achievements in nuclear energy in the Federal Republic of Germany

Conference · Fri Nov 01 04:00:00 EST 1985 · Trans. Am. Nucl. Soc.; (United States)

OSTI ID:5741336

Messer, K P

At present, nuclear power plants are supplying approx.30% of the electric energy generated in the Federal Republic of Germany (FRG). There are 19 power reactors in operation with a total installed capacity of approx.17 GW (gross). In 1984 their average capacity factor was 82.6%. For many years, German power reactors have ranked rather high in the world list of nuclear power plant performance. There are many reasons for this, which may be grouped into two fields: 1) design, manufacture, and construction, and 2) operation management. There is an area other than nuclear power plant technology and management where German utilities and nuclear industry have achieved a good performance: the nuclear fuel cycle. Today, the German uranium companies are producing more natural uranium than is needed for our nuclear power plants. Major progress in uranium enrichment technology was achieved by developing the URENCO gas centrifuge with essential German participation. The high availability and good economics of German nuclear power plants are also due to an advanced fuel assembly design. As to the back-end of the fuel cycle, the political situation has not been favorable for a timely realization of the installations needed. However, considerable progress has been made in developing an advanced reprocessing technology.

• OSTI ID: 5741336
• Report Number(s): CONF-851115-
• Conference Information: Journal Name: Trans. Am. Nucl. Soc.; (United States) Journal Volume: 50
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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