Nuclear Waste: A Look at Current Use of Funds and Cost Estimates for the Future
RCED-87-121
Published: Aug 31, 1987. Publicly Released: Aug 31, 1987.
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Highlights
In response to a congressional request, GAO reviewed the Department of Energy's (DOE) nuclear waste management program to: (1) compare the use of fiscal year (FY) 1985 program funds with the approved budget; (2) assess the effects of schedule delays on program costs; and (3) assess the life-cycle cost estimates.
Recommendations
Recommendations for Executive Action
| Agency Affected | Recommendation | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Department of Energy | For waste system planning, including life-cycle cost analyses and fee adequacy determination, the Secretary of Energy should base long-range projections of spent-fuel inventories for commercial nuclear power plants on the nuclear generating capacity of operating commercial nuclear plants and plants that are actively progressing through Nuclear Regulatory Commission licensing and construction. |
DOE commented that basing waste system planning and cost and revenue analyses on actual nuclear power plants oversimplifies the task of projecting system requirements and fee adequacy. However, in its June 1988 draft Mission Plan Amendment, DOE reversed its position. It now intends to base long-range spent fuel projections on existing nuclear plants as recommended by GAO and others.
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Topics
Cost analysisHazardous substancesLife cycle costsNuclear powerplantsNuclear waste disposalNuclear waste managementNuclear waste storageProjectionsReprogramming of appropriated fundsSite selection