Papers in this volume: 7
1. The future for radioactive waste disposal in the United Kingdom: a Radioactive Waste Management Advisory Committee perspective
Author(s): Beveridge, Sir Gordon
Page: 15
Keywords: Disposal, Radioactive waste, Radioactive waste management - transport and disposal, Radioactive Waste Management Committee (RWMAC), UK, United Kingdom, United Kingdom Nirex Ltd (Nirex)
Abstract: Following the Secretary of State's March 1997 refusal of planning permission for a rock characterization facility at Longland's Farm, Cumbria, and a change of government less than two months later, the long term management of the UK's radioactive waste remains unresolved. This paper sets out the current Radioactive Waste Management Advisory Committee's (RWMAC's) views on the best way forward, which it has input to the Select Committee enquiry. However, whatever the outcome of the Government's policy review, RWMAC sees its role to be that of helping to ensure that the chosen option is implemented in the optimum manner.
2. Global warming and nuclear power
Author(s): Hodgson P.E.
Page: 21
Keywords: Fossil fuel comparisons, Global warming, Nuclear power
Abstract: The problems of pollution, global warming and renewable energy sources are not golng to go away. Governments need to act with urgency if they are to produce a long-term energy policy. This paper looks at the current energy situation, and how this would project into the future without the instigation of radical changes. It concludes that nuclear is the best option available for averting a growing energy, pollution and global warming crisis.
3. Summary of the Fourth Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and of the Activities of the International Nuclear Forum in Buenos Aires
Author(s): Schmidt-Kuster W.J.
Page: 27
Keywords: Climate change, Environment, Fossil fuel comparisons, Global warming, Kyoto targets, Nuclear, Nuclear power, UN Climate Convention
Abstract: The Forth
4. Validity of the linear no-threshold theory of radiation carcinogenesis at low doses
Author(s): Cohen B.L.
Page: 31
Keywords: Radiological health and safety
Abstract: A great deal is known about the cancer risk of high radiation doses from studies of Japanese A-bomb survivors, patients exposed for medical therapy, occupational exposures, etc. But the vast majority of important applications deal with much lower doses, usually accumulated at much lower dose rates, referred to as 'low-level radiation' (LLR). Conventionally, the cancer risk from LLR has been estimated by the use of linear no-threshold theory (LNT). For example, it is assumed that the cancer risk from 0.001 Sr (100 mrem) of dose is 0.001 times the risk from 1 Sv (100 rem). In recent years, the former risk estimates have often been reduced by a 'dose and dose rate reduction factor' which is taken t be a factor of 2. But otherwise, the LNT is frequently used for doses as low as one hundred-thousandth of those for which there is direct evidence of cancer induction by radiation. It is the origin of the commonly used expression 'no level of radiation is safe' and the consequent public fear of LLR. The importance of this use of the LNT can not be exaggerated and is used in many applications in the nuclear industry. The LNT paradigm has also been carried over the chemical carcinogens, leading to severe restrictions on use of cleaning fluids, organic chemicals, pesticides, etc. If the LNT wre abandoned for radiation, it would probably also be abandoned for chemical carcinogens. In view of these facts, it is important to consider the validity of the LNT. That is the purpose of this paper.
5. Electricity market competition and nuclear power
Author(s): Varley C. and Paffenbarger J.
Page: 41
Keywords: Electricity, Nuclear power, Nuclear power stations (NPS), OECD - Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA), United States
Abstract: Throughout the world, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) member countries' governments are promoting competitive electricity markets. In particular, there is a move away from administrative price-setting by government institutions to market price-setting through the introduction of competition. Today this is focused on competition in generation. However, competition among final electricity suppliers and distributors to provide effective consumer choice is a further step that governments are likely to pursue as experience with market reform grows. This competitive environment will undoubtedly impact upon the nuclear generation industry. Competition will provide an opportunity to reinvigorate nuclear power; it will improve the transparency of energy policy-making and the policy framework for nuclear power; it will spur innovation in existing plants and help prospects for new plant build; and provide a strong impetus for cost reduction and innovation. This paper discusses these issues in detail. It looks at the potential benefits and challenges to the nuclear generation industry arising from an increasingly competitive market.
6. Recent developments in the peaceful use of nuclear energy in Japan and its social aspects
Author(s): Murata T.
Page: 59
Keywords: Japan, Nuclear policy, Nuclear power, Public consequences, Society
Abstract: With the Establishment of the Japan Nuclear Cycle Development Institute on 1 October 1998, the peaceful use of Japanese nuclear energy entered a new phase. This, however, does not necessarily mean that the acceptance of nuclear technology is developing smoothly in Japaraese society. In the future, much more emphasis will need to be placed on the study of the relationship between highly advanced technology and society.
7. The design of a new criticality incident detection and alarm system
Author(s): Nobes T.S.
Page: 63
Keywords: British Nuclear Fuels plc (BNFL), CIDAS (criticality incident detection alarm system), Criticality accident, Decommissioning, Evacuation, Nuclear operations and safety, Safety
Abstract: This paper presents a general review of criticality and its detection. After a brief description of what a criticality incident involves, an outline is given of detection methods and warning systems.