ANS urges DOE to restart FFTF
In a letter sent to Michael Holland, FFTF Review Manager for the DOE, Past President James Lake stated that the restart of the FFTF would provide a signal that the U.S. will "...provide, once again, world leadership in nuclear power and technology..." An attachment to the letter details the uses and unique capabilities of the FFTF.
July 2, 2001
Mr. Michael Holland
FFTF Review Manager
U.S. Department of Energy
Brookhaven Group
P.O. Box 5000
Upton, New York 11973
Dear Dr. Holland:
Today, with energy issues confronting us in our daily lives and in our newspaper headlines, the need for expanding the use of nuclear energy has been recognized. One key facility that can play a vital role in the reinvigoration of nuclear energy is the Fast Flux Test Facility near Richland, Washington. We appreciate the opportunity Secretary Abraham has provided to give further consideration to the restart of FFTF.
Twice in the past year the American Nuclear Society has written to the Department of Energy about the important matter of restarting FFTF. In a September 18, 2000, letter to Secretary Richardson, ANS recommended that the facility be restarted in the nation's interest to meet current and expected future R&D and irradiation service needs. This year, in an April 8, 2001, letter to Secretary Abraham, then-ANS President James A. Lake recommended that Secretary Abraham place in abeyance the decision on FFTF's future, with the aim of allowing sufficient time for DOE staff and other national experts to present FFTF's case in detail.
The ANS-an association of over 10,000 nuclear professionals working in all aspects of nuclear research, medical applications, and energy production-now strongly recommends the reactivation of the FFTF.
The new National Energy Policy emphasizes the need to increase our energy supplies, and specifically calls for greater utilization of nuclear energy as a major means of achieving those greater supplies. Unfortunately, this comes at a time when there has been rapid erosion of the nuclear infrastructure. Consequently, rebuilding this infrastructure is necessary if nuclear energy is going to do its part in responding to the challenge presented in the National Energy Policy. Various actions are needed, from revitalizing our nuclear engineering education programs to strengthening our nuclear testing facilities. One of the most important of these actions should be the reactivation of FFTF.
As the newest and most flexible nuclear reactor in DOE's fleet, FFTF can play a vital role in meeting our energy challenges and reinvigorating the domestic infrastructure needed for nuclear development and expansion. The specific and, in many cases, unique ways that the FFTF can support this effort are detailed in the attachment to this letter.
The previous decision to dismantle FFTF was consistent with a general effort of the previous administration to minimize and phase out nuclear development in the United States. The restart of FFTF would, more than any other near-term DOE decision, signal the determination of the United States to provide, once again, world leadership in nuclear power and technology for the benefit of humanity. Further, restart of FFTF would ignite new enthusiasm that would draw bright new students into the nuclear science and technology field, offering assurance that their dedication to this profession will result in exciting careers.
The American Nuclear Society believes that these reasons, and the capability of the FFTF to meet the needs outlined in the attachment, make a compelling case for the restart of the Fast Flux Test Facility.
Very truly yours,
James A. Lake, PhD.
President 2000 - 2001
Cc:
William D. Magwood IV
D. Bruce Klos
ANS Board of Directors
See also: Attachment
