Fuel cycle cost considerations of increased discharge burnups

Journal Article · Fri Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1982 · Nucl. Technol.; (United States)

OSTI ID:6816798

Scherpereel, L R; Frank, F J

Evaluations are presented that indicate the attainment of increased discharge burnups in light water reactors will depend on economic factors particular to individual operators. In addition to pure resource conserving effects and assuming continued reliable fuel performance, a substantial economic incentive must exist to justify the longer operating times necessary to achieve higher burnups. Whether such incentive will exist or not will depend on relative price levels of all fuel cycle cost components, utility operating practices, and resolution of uncertainties associated with the back-end of the fuel cycle. It is concluded that implementation of increased burnups will continue at a graduated pace similar to past experience, rather than finding universal acceptance of particular increased levels at any particular time.

• Research Organization: Westinghouse Nuclear Commercial Operations Division Fuel and Field Services Evaluations, P.O. Box 355 Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15230
• OSTI ID: 6816798
• Journal Information: Nucl. Technol.; (United States), Journal Name: Nucl. Technol.; (United States) Vol. 56:1; ISSN NUTYB
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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