Trends in nuclear power

Journal Article · Thu Jul 01 04:00:00 EDT 1982 · Environ. Sci. Technol.; (United States)

OSTI ID:6762054

Hileman, B

During the late 1970's the future of the U.S. nuclear power industry became clouded by troubling developments. As of 1982, 72 operating reactors supply about 13% of the nation's electricity, but also in 1982, construction was halted or deferred on two reactors in Oklahoma, three in the state of Washington, and 10 in North Carolina, Mississippi, and Tennessee. Although overregulation by the federal government has been blamed for these cancellations, the author contends that the primary reasons for the nuclear industry's problems are: 1) falling growth in the demand for electricity; 2) cost overruns; 3) a heightened awareness of the economic and safety risks involved with nuclear power; 4) a change in the relationship between the cost of coal and nuclear power; and 5) uncertainties about how to dispose of nuclear waste. These problems are discussed in some detail. (JMT)

• OSTI ID: 6762054
• Journal Information: Environ. Sci. Technol.; (United States), Journal Name: Environ. Sci. Technol.; (United States) Vol. 16:7; ISSN ESTHA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS
220900* -- Nuclear Reactor Technology-- Reactor Safety
COST
DEMAND
ECONOMICS
ELECTRIC POWER INDUSTRY
ENERGY DEMAND
EVALUATION
FOSSIL-FUEL POWER PLANTS
INDUSTRY
MANAGEMENT
NUCLEAR POWER
NUCLEAR POWER PHASEOUT
POWER
POWER PLANTS
RADIOACTIVE WASTE DISPOSAL
REACTOR SAFETY
SAFETY
THERMAL POWER PLANTS
WASTE DISPOSAL
WASTE MANAGEMENT