To breed, or not to breed

Journal Article · Thu Sep 01 04:00:00 EDT 1977 · Across the Board; (United States)

OSTI ID:6630793

Weinberg, A M

Dr. Weinberg, reviewing the development of nuclear energy since his involvement in the Manhattan Project that began in 1942, describes the golden vision that saw the transition to a second phase of unlimited energy provided by breeder reactors. He explains in depth the problem of the self-limiting nature of uranium-based technology and the present dependence on uranium-235-fueled light water reactors. Breeder reactors capable of fueling an expanding nuclear industry are fueled by the more-plentiful uranium 238. The ability of the breeder reactor to produce more energy and eliminate resource uncertainty was assumed to make it more cost-effective and to justify a larger capital investment. Dr. Weinberg gives a general description of breeder research programs, followed by a discussion of the major issues of opponents: proliferation, waste disposal, toxicity, reactor safety, and economics. Recognizing the dilemma entailed, he outlines five steps for proceeding with Phase II. These would involve limiting the land area committed to radioactive operations, restructuring the nuclear industry, imposing heavy security, training a professional cadre, and insuring immortality to the responsible institutions.

• Research Organization: Inst. for Energy Analysis, Oak Ridge, TN
• OSTI ID: 6630793
• Journal Information: Across the Board; (United States), Journal Name: Across the Board; (United States) Vol. 14:9; ISSN ACBOD
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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BREEDER REACTORS
COST BENEFIT ANALYSIS
ECONOMICS
ENERGY
ENERGY PARKS
ENERGY POLICY
ENERGY SOURCES
ENERGY SUPPLIES
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
FOREIGN POLICY
FUELS
GOVERNMENT POLICIES
MANAGEMENT
NUCLEAR ENERGY
NUCLEAR FACILITIES
NUCLEAR FUELS
NUCLEAR PARKS
NUCLEAR POWER PLANTS
PERSONNEL
POWER PLANTS
PROLIFERATION
RADIOACTIVE MATERIALS
RADIOACTIVE WASTES
REACTOR MATERIALS
REACTOR SAFETY
REACTOR SITES
REACTORS
SAFETY
SECURITY
SOCIAL IMPACT
THERMAL POWER PLANTS
WASTES