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Organized to promote the advancement of knowledge in the use of nuclear science and technologies in the aerospace application. Specialized nuclear-based technologies and applications are needed to advance the state-of-the-art in aerospace design, engineering and operations to explore planetary bodies in our solar system and beyond, plus enhance the safety of air travel, especially high speed air travel. Areas of interest will include but are not limited to the creation of nuclear-based power and propulsion systems, multifunctional materials to protect humans and electronic components from atmospheric, space, and nuclear power system radiation, human factor strategies for the safety and reliable operation of nuclear power and propulsion plants by non-specialized personnel and more.
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NRC wants input on Hermes 2 test reactor construction permit
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission is seeking input on its draft environmental assessment and draft finding of no significant impact for Kairos Power’s application to build the Hermes 2 test reactor facility in Oak Ridge, Tenn.
K. A. Williams
Fusion Science and Technology | Volume 20 | Number 4 | December 1991 | Pages 529-536
Overview/Energy Policy | doi.org/10.13182/FST91-A11946895
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
Most emerging nuclear energy systems are in the early phases of the research, development, design, and deployment life cycle and/or represent pioneer or first-of-a-kind projects; hence, the uncertainties associated with capital and life cycle costs are often considerable. The type of cost estimate prepared for a given system also depends heavily on the system's development/deployment status, and the cost projections prepared prior to the decision to construct a facility or system often do not incorporate all of the relevant uncertainties.
The purpose of this paper is to survey the types of cost estimates typically prepared for selected nuclear systems at various stages of project development and to describe cost-engineering methodologies which may be used to produce more meaningful and realistic estimates. Examples utilizing nuclear technologies evaluated at Oak Ridge are used to illustrate these methods. Among the techniques considered are probabilistic cost-risk analysis, parametric cost models coupled to system/process performance and design models, and cost growth models based on historical experience with pioneer technologies. In addition to the above survey, the author discusses pitfalls and problems associated with early cost projections. A major premise is the fact that the standard “estimator's contingency” usually does not cover the myriad economic risks inherent to emerging energy-related or nuclear systems.