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U.S. Department of Energy
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Potential displacement of oil by nuclear energy and coal in electric utilities. Hearing before the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations of the Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce, House of Representatives, Ninety-Sixth Congress, Second Session, December 9, 1980

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OSTI ID:6405634

The potential for nuclear power and coal to displace oil as a power plant fuel and relieve dependence on foreign oil was discussed at a December 9, 1980, oversight hearing. The six witnesses were asked to comment on how much difference fuel substitution will actually make, but their recommendations for an appropriate mix of fossil and nuclear fuels differ sharply. Underlying the fuel-mix debate is the question of nuclear power's future in the United States and the technological loss from uncertain state and Federal policies. Witnesses questioned the accuracy of DOE's oil displacement estimates and its comparative thermal efficiency estimates; suggested that economics alone would force some shift from oil; reminded the legislators that fuel substitution requires capital for conversion and pollution control; emphasized the potential of electric power substitution for oil; and raised other issues. Their testimony is supplemented by written statements and background material. (DCK)

OSTI ID:
6405634
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English