THE DYNAMICS OF GROWTH AND ECONOMIC ANALYSIS OF NUCLEAR POWER GENERATING INDUSTRIES BASED ON PLUTONIUM CONVERTER AND BREEDER REACTORS

This thesis research deals with the growth of nuclear power generating industries in United States during years 1965-2040. It discusses mainly the problem of nuclear fuels and their efficient utilization and analyses the importance of Adyanced Converter [ ACR] and fast breeder reactors in the nuclear power complex. With certain suggestions regarding better nuclear fuel utilization, a mathematical model of the growth of nuclear power is formulated and analysed with the help of a computer. Comparing the anticipated growth in nuclear power, the U utilization in present Light Water Reactors [ LWR], and available economic U resources, it is concluded that for the nuclear power to remain competitive in coming decades, it is essential to develop ACRs and fast Breeders. For better fuel utilization, a scheme of Balanced Nuclear Economy [ BNE] is suggested. In BNE, the rate of new breeder installations is determined by the net Pu production rate in converters and breeders them