Nuclear fuel reprocessing from a commercial viewpoint

Conference · Sat Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1977 · Proc. Am. Power Conf.; (United States)

OSTI ID:6983574

Dickeman, R L

The abrupt shift in recent months in United States nuclear power policy has placed the Western World in a confused state but does not alter earlier conclusions by essentially all nations that increased reliance on nuclear power is pivotal to their economy, employment, and growth. The proliferation issue is serious and President Carter's efforts to ensure that multinational controls are made as effective as they can be should be supported. It is recognized that civil nuclear power programs have not spawned any nuclear weapons state and many alternatives superior to recovering and clandestinely diverting products from the civil power fuel cycle are available to nations which are so motivated. Therefore, perspective on both a national and multinational level is needed to regain the industrial commitment and momentum to bring forth this important energy source at the pace which is needed. It is felt that a closed fuel cycle is a major factor and Exxon Nuclear filed more than a year ago with NRC for a construction permit to build a 1500 to 2100 ton per year reprocessing plant and fuel storage facility at a site in Tennessee. A construction permit is anticipated in 1979, start of storage operations in 1982 to 1983, and start of reprocessing operations in 1987. Exxon Nuclear has not completed evaluations of response alternatives should a negative direct impact be imposed by the Government upon this program, its schedule, or its costs. Alternatives could range from the temporary suspension of the licensing phase, now in progress, to termination of these privately-funded industrial efforts.

• Research Organization: Exxon Nuclear Co., Inc., Belleview, WA
• OSTI ID: 6983574
• Report Number(s): CONF-770403-
• Conference Information: Journal Name: Proc. Am. Power Conf.; (United States) Journal Volume: 39
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

050800* -- Nuclear Fuels-- Spent Fuels Reprocessing
11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS
COMMERCIALIZATION
ENERGY SOURCES
FUEL REPROCESSING PLANTS
FUELS
GOVERNMENT POLICIES
NATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
NUCLEAR FACILITIES
NUCLEAR FUELS
REACTOR MATERIALS
REPROCESSING
SAFEGUARDS
SEPARATION PROCESSES
SPENT FUELS
US NRC
US ORGANIZATIONS