The Liquid Metal Fast Breeder Reactor An Environmental and Economic Critique [Hardcover]

In this book, Thomas B. Cochran takes a critical look at the economic and environmental arguments which have been made in favour of an early introduction of the liquid metal fast breeder reactor (LMFBR) as a central component of the United States electrical energy system. First published in 1974, Cochran presents LMFBR as having no environmental advantage over light water reactors and the high temperature gas reactor and seriously questions the economic advantages. This title should be a useful for students interested in environment and sustainability studies, and it is a valuable resource for discussions of future energy strategy.

Preface;  Acknowledgments;  Introduction;  Part I: Economic Considerations;  Introduction to Part I;  1. The Choice of Discount Rate  2. LMFBR Generating Costs  3. Uranium Supply and Demand  4. Electrical Energy Demand Forecasts  5. Other Economic Considerations;  Part II: Environmental Considerations;  Introduction to Part II;  6. Environmental Impact at the Reactor and its Support Facilities  7. Safety Aspects;  Part III: Summary and Conclusions;  Introduction to Part III;  Appendixes;  Glossary