Electricity supply

Technical Report · Sat Apr 01 04:00:00 EST 1989

OSTI ID:6385604

In the 1960s and early 1970s, nuclear power plants offered economic and environmental advantages over coal plants; most were completed on time and at reasonable cost and still operate today, providing economical, reliable electricity. In the 1970s, a series of events, beginning with the 1973-74 recession and culminating with the Three Mile Island accident, adversely affected the nuclear industry. This report discusses how reviving the nuclear option requires increased public acceptance and reduced financial risks. The public's concerns about safety need to be allayed through the safe, efficient operation of current plants and improved designs. In addition, escalating costs-stemming in part form an outmoded licensing process and unanticipated actions by state agencies and public interest groups-must be alleviated.

• Research Organization: General Accounting Office, Washington, DC (USA). Resources, Community and Economic Development Div.
• OSTI ID: 6385604
• Report Number(s): GAO/RCED-89-67
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS
220900 -- Nuclear Reactor Technology-- Reactor Safety
29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
290300 -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Environment
Health
& Safety
290600 -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Nuclear Energy
296000* -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Electric Power
ACCIDENTS
COST
DESIGN
ECONOMIC IMPACT
ELECTRIC POWER
ENVIRONMENT
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
MANAGEMENT
NUCLEAR FACILITIES
NUCLEAR POWER PLANTS
POWER
POWER PLANTS
PUBLIC OPINION
RADIOACTIVE WASTE DISPOSAL
REACTOR ACCIDENTS
REACTOR SAFETY
RELIABILITY
RISK ASSESSMENT
SAFETY
SUPPLY AND DEMAND
THERMAL POWER PLANTS
WASTE DISPOSAL
WASTE MANAGEMENT