The Department of Energy's Water-Cooled Breeder Program--Should It Continue?
EMD-81-46
Published: Mar 25, 1981. Publicly Released: Mar 25, 1981.
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Highlights
The water-cooled breeder program of the Department of Energy (DOE) is trying to prove that existing types of nuclear powerplants, called water-cooled reactors, can produce more fuel than they consume. DOE needs to consider certain factors when deciding whether the water-cooled breeder concept should be developed further. GAO addressed: (1) whether the water-cooled breeder program should continue; (2) the effectiveness of the program's management; and (3) the resolution of necessary issues before the water-cooled breeder becomes commercially viable.
Recommendations
Recommendations for Executive Action
| Agency Affected | Recommendation | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Department of Energy | 1. The Secretary of Energy should transfer responsibility for any further development of the water-cooled breeder to the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Nuclear Reactor Programs if such development is warranted. |
Please call 202/512-6100 for additional information.
|
| Department of Energy | 2. The Secretary of Energy should establish fixed milestones and cost projections for all major activities so that (1) the performance of the program can be better measured, (2) accountability over achieving critical steps in the development process can be better established, and (3) congressional oversight over program progress can be improved. |
Please call 202/512-6100 for additional information.
|
| Department of Energy | 3. The Secretary of Energy should discontinue reactor operation at Shippingport by January 1982 and initiate the proof-of-breeding experiment at that time. |
Please call 202/512-6100 for additional information.
|
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Energy researchFast breeder reactorsNuclear energyNuclear powerplantsProgram managementBreeder reactorNuclear powerUraniumNuclear reactorsResearch and development