Nuclear power: a regrouping or retreat
Public attention toward concerns over nuclear energy has recently focused on the issues of plutonium proliferation and waste disposal. This ''back-end'' emphasis developed from fears that uranium supplies will be inadequate for future light water reactors and the effort should shift to reprocessing uranium. Uranium transactions have recently been subjected to investigations and anti-trust suits regarding supplies. Exporting countries, such as Canada and Australia, are in a position to make their uranium deliveries contingent on proper safeguards and controls. Uranium resource information has to be evaluated in two dimensions--geologic assurance and economic feasibility--both of which are controversial. ERDA reserve estimates, for example, are felt to be too conservative because they are based only on the demand for weapons, a small, fixed-price market. Economic considerations are complicated by uncertainties of other energy sources. Technological and political resolution of commercial reprocessing and waste disposal have suffered from legislative, regulatory, and environmental barriers. In spite of voter rejection of nuclear bans, progress is expected to be slowed by the increasing worldwide fear of proliferation. (DCK)
- OSTI ID:
- 7306062
- Journal Information:
- Resources; (United States), Journal Name: Resources; (United States) Vol. 54; ISSN RESUB
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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ACTINIDES
COMMERCIALIZATION
CONTROL
ECONOMICS
ELEMENTS
ENERGY
ENERGY SOURCE DEVELOPMENT
ENERGY SOURCES
FORECASTING
FOREIGN POLICY
FUEL CYCLE
FUELS
GOVERNMENT POLICIES
INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION
INTERNATIONAL REGULATIONS
LEGAL ASPECTS
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METALS
NATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
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PLUTONIUM RECYCLE
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REACTORS
REGULATIONS
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SEPARATION PROCESSES
TRANSURANIUM ELEMENTS
US ERDA
US ORGANIZATIONS
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