The Eternity Problem: Nuclear Power Waste Storage

Abstract

"This paper treats an important problem that has not been treated elsewhere: the relationship between the evolution of the nuclear power industry and the costs of centralized and on-site storage of spent fuel. The conclusion is that centralized storage, as current policy contemplates, would be cheaper given an expanding nuclear industry as projected during the 1970s. But given the current situation of no expansion"-"i.e., no new orders"-"the cost advantage of centralized storage disappears. Moreover, if the components of decommissioned reactors are to be stored on site"-"as seems likely"-"then perhaps spent fuel should be stored there also." Copyright 1990 Western Economic Association International.