Nuclear power debate: moral, economic, technical, and political issues

Book · Sat Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 1977

OSTI ID:6711834

Meyers, D III

The pace at which nuclear power will develop is clouded with uncertainties. At the end of 1976 in the United States, 61 nuclear reactors were operating, representing slightly more than 9 percent of the country's total generating capacity. Another 168 reactors were either planned, under construction, or on order. Outside the United States, commitments to nuclear power grew by 17 percent in 1975 over 1974. Indonesia, Turkey, and Poland ordered nuclear plants, bringing to 41 the number of countries committed to nuclear energy. In 1976, 112 nuclear reactors were operating in 18 countries; an additional 342 plants were planned, on order, or under construction. The speed at which nuclear power will continue to grow is dependent on a number of factors: the rate at which demand for energy increases, the changing economics of alternative methods of energy production, the processes by which decisions affecting nuclear power development are made, and the degree to which they satisfy public concerns about the safety of nuclear energy. This book addresses itself to these factors as follows: Economic issues: At what rate will demand for energy increase, and how can that demand be met. (Chapter 2.) How cost-competitive are the major alternative methods of producing electricity that now exist--nuclear power and coal. (Chapter 3.) Decision making issues: Are the processes by which decisions to proceed with development of nuclear power, both in government and in industry, adequate to protect the interests of the public and of investors. (Chapters 4 and 5.) Safety issues: Are nuclear power plants themselves safe. (Chapters 6 and 7.) Can adequate safeguards be established to ensure protection against misuse of the products or by-products of those plants and to ensure the permanent safe storage of radioactive wastes. (Chapter 8.)

• OSTI ID: 6711834
• Resource Relation: Related Information: Praeger Special Studies in U. S. Economic, Social, and Political Issues
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

29 ENERGY PLANNING
POLICY AND ECONOMY
21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS
NUCLEAR POWER
ECONOMICS
SAFETY
NUCLEAR POWER PLANTS
CONSTRUCTION
DECISION MAKING
BY-PRODUCTS
COMPETITION
COST
DEMAND FACTORS
ENERGY SOURCE DEVELOPMENT
GLOBAL ASPECTS
LEGAL ASPECTS
NUCLEAR ENERGY
PUBLIC OPINION
RADIOACTIVE WASTE STORAGE
REGULATIONS
SAFEGUARDS
USA
ENERGY
MANAGEMENT
NORTH AMERICA
NUCLEAR FACILITIES
POWER
POWER PLANTS
STORAGE
THERMAL POWER PLANTS
WASTE MANAGEMENT
WASTE STORAGE
290600* - Energy Planning & Policy- Nuclear Energy
210000 - Nuclear Power Plants