Fast breeder reactor decision: an analysis of limits and the limits of analysis. A study prepared for the use of the Joint Economic Committee, Congress of the United States, Ninety-Fourth Congress, Second Session
Decisions on the development of the Liquid Metal Fast Breeder Reactor (LMFBR), which may involve nontransferable gains for current generations and major losses for future generations cannot be determined on a cost-benefit basis. Several cost-benefit analyses of the LMFBR are reviewed. With only one exception, all major analyses compare LMFBR futures with non-LMFBR futures and consider only the energy supply aspect of alternatives. The Manne study, however, compares peak-load pricing of electricity and points out that removal of distortions in energy pricing has greater economic benefits than economic losses due to delays in introducing the LMFBR. Revised price structures for electricity could have a larger future payoff than rapid LMFBR development. Constraints on LMFBR development, such as resource supplies, technological development, licensing, siting, and waste disposal, may have been underestimated. Appropriate institutions and procedures for nuclear decision making must be defined. (DCK)
- Research Organization:
- U.S. Congress, Joint Economic Committee, Washington, DC
- OSTI ID:
- 7363644
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
POLICY AND ECONOMY
21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS
LMFBR TYPE REACTORS
COST BENEFIT ANALYSIS
ECONOMICS
PEAK-LOAD PRICING
POWER DEMAND
BREEDER REACTORS
CHARGES
EPITHERMAL REACTORS
FAST REACTORS
FBR TYPE REACTORS
LIQUID METAL COOLED REACTORS
REACTORS
290600* - Energy Planning & Policy- Nuclear Energy
293000 - Energy Planning & Policy- Policy
Legislation
& Regulation
210500 - Power Reactors
Breeding