Uranium dependence and the proliferation problem

Journal Article · Wed Jun 01 04:00:00 EDT 1977 · Technol. Rev.; (United States)

OSTI ID:7218986

Jacoby, H D

A 20-year ''breathing space'' of adequate uranium supplies is felt to warrant delaying breeder technology until the threat of proliferation can be met with adequate internationally controlled stockpiles and marketing. Although a shift to breeder reactors developed as concern grew over the possibility of depleted uranium reserves, U.S. policy has now reversed this trend in favor of nuclear systems with a lower risk of proliferation. A review of uranium dependence analyzes the fuel cycle, current and projected reserves, reliable enrichment services, and international effects of proliferation and market disruptions. Uranium supply forecasts are more positive now because overstated reactor buildup projections led utilities to order more fuel than they will need until the late 1980s. These surpluses of light-water reactor fuel could be stockpiled at a cost of $20 billion, felt to be a relatively modest figure in terms of the total cost of nuclear power. A stockpile able to meet demand levels could offer the security of domestic supplies with trade opportunities and would retain levels of exploration and extraction. Several strategies for managing stockpiles are possible, but international control is seen as the best way to maintain reliable prices and uniform supply policies for all nations. (DCK)

• Research Organization: Massachusetts Inst. of Tech., Cambridge
• OSTI ID: 7218986
• Journal Information: Technol. Rev.; (United States), Journal Name: Technol. Rev.; (United States) Vol. 79:7; ISSN TEREA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

051000 -- Nuclear Fuels-- Economic
Industrial
& Business Aspects
11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS
21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS
210802 -- Nuclear Power Plants-- Economics-- Fuel Cycle
29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
290600* -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Nuclear Energy
293000 -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Policy
Legislation
& Regulation
ATOMIC ENERGY CONTROL
AVAILABILITY
BREEDER REACTORS
ECONOMIC IMPACT
ECONOMIC POLICY
ENERGY POLICY
ENERGY SOURCES
FORECASTING
FOREIGN POLICY
FUEL REPROCESSING PLANTS
FUELS
GOVERNMENT POLICIES
INTERNATIONAL CONTROL
INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION
MANAGEMENT
MARKET
NATIONAL ENERGY PLAN
NUCLEAR FACILITIES
NUCLEAR FUELS
NUCLEAR MATERIALS DIVERSION
NUCLEAR MATERIALS MANAGEMENT
ORES
REACTOR MATERIALS
REACTORS
RESERVES
RESOURCES
SAFEGUARDS
STOCKPILES
TRADE
URANIUM ORES