Nuclear Science: Monitoring Improved, but More Planning Needed for DOE Test and Research Reactors
RCED-92-123
Published: Jul 15, 1992. Publicly Released: Aug 17, 1992.
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Highlights
Pursuant to a congressional request, GAO provided information on the Department of Energy's (DOE) nondefense-related nuclear facilities, focusing on: (1) DOE management and long-range planning for replacement of potentially dangerous and aging reactors; and (2) the safety and operating condition of research reactor facilities.
Recommendations
Recommendations for Executive Action
| Agency Affected | Recommendation | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Department of Energy | To avoid possible degradation in safe operation, increased operating costs, degradation in performance, and gaps in needed reactor service, the Secretary of Energy should require that the manager of DOE test and research reactor facilities develop a long-range plan for the timely retirement or replacement of aging reactors. In their analysis of the possible need to eventually replace the Department's two older operating category "A" test reactors, DOE planners should consider the cost and benefits of using the Fast Flux Test Facility, now on standby, as a possible replacement rather than constructing a newer, more extensive reactor. |
Closed – Implemented
DOE accepted the GAO recommendation and prepared a long-range plan for the retirement or replacement of its test and research reactors. DOE published its plan on November 22, 1993.
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Topics
Cost effectiveness analysisEnergy researchFacility managementNuclear facility safetyNuclear reactorsObsolete facilitiesResearch and development costsSafety regulationSafety standardsEngineering