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Members focus on the dissemination of knowledge and information in the area of power reactors with particular application to the production of electric power and process heat. The division sponsors meetings on the coverage of applied nuclear science and engineering as related to power plants, non-power reactors, and other nuclear facilities. It encourages and assists with the dissemination of knowledge pertinent to the safe and efficient operation of nuclear facilities through professional staff development, information exchange, and supporting the generation of viable solutions to current issues.
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2024 ANS Annual Conference
June 16–19, 2024
Las Vegas, NV|Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino
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ORAU, ANS, others to host workshops on nuclear academic programs
Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU), in partnership with the American Nuclear Society, the Nuclear Energy Institute, and the Institute for Nuclear Power Operators, has announced it will host an online workshop called “Shaping the Future of Nuclear Academic Programs.” The 90-minute program is designed for university department heads and faculty interested in enhancing nuclear science and technology programs through best practices.
Lester M. Waganer
Fusion Science and Technology | Volume 34 | Number 3 | November 1998 | Pages 496-502
Nonelectrical Applications | doi.org/10.13182/FST98-A11963661
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
For several decades, the international fusion community has had a goal of using a high quality fusion plasma for central station electrical power generation. Continued progress has been made toward the ultimate goal of high quality fusion plasmas with good confinement, mainly in tokamak experimental reactors. However, the commitment to begin construction of an engineering test reactor has not been made. One of the underlying reasons for delaying this large commitment is the lack of favorable economic projections for a fusion-generated cost of electricity1.
Even though the cost of fusion fuel is very inexpensive, the plant capital cost is very expensive, which significantly increases the cost of electricity. The only new electric generating plants currently being purchased in the U.S. are gas turbine units, because they are relatively inexpensive, can be brought on line quickly, and are fueled with low-cost, abundant natural gas. Existing coal and fossil plants are being used to the maximum extent possible. New, capital-intensive, electric-generating plants are not being considered for the near future, even though there is a growing awareness of the resource depletion and environmental impact of using hydrocarbon fuels.
It is time to step back and reconsider all the products fusion can provide as an inexhaustible energy source. Additional products, other than generation of electrical power, may have more benefits and fewer risks, especially in the near term.
A complete set of fusion products was investigated to examine common categories of applications and markets served by these products. An evaluation methodology was developed to assess which applications might be attractive in terms of market potential, environmental considerations, economic impact, risk, and public perception. This methodology was used to assess the proposed applications. The results indicated that several applications might be promising products for the fusion energy source.