Prospects for renewed nuclear power plant purchasing with standardization and regulatory reform a reality

This paper discusses the following key factors currently affecting the nuclear industry: the declining demand for electricity, the unpredictable nuclear plant licensing process with changing requirements, the uncontrollable design-construction schedules stretching from 6 to 7 years in the early 1970's to 11 to 13 years today, the extremely high financing cost, and no resolution of the packaging, handling, and long-term disposal of radioactive waste. It is suggested that the waste disposal problem should become a non-issue now that the nuclear waste bill has become law. The Licensing Reform Act of 1983 may lead to the elimination of repetitive and redundant review questions.