Oak Ridge National Laboratory Institutional Plan: FY 1982-1987

The Savannah River programs for developing
methods of solidifying HLW (sol-gel process, coated
particles, and FUETAP concrete) are expected to
decrease to close-out funds in FY 1982 because only
one process will be selected in the national program
for large-scale engineering development in addition to
vitrification. A number of programs have been identi
fied as being possible replacements for those ter
minated, including development of treatments for
Three Mile Island (TMI) wastes.
ORNL provides technical expertise for both the
Uranium Mill Tailings Remedial Action Program
(UMTRAP) and the Formerly-Utilized Sites Remedial
Action Program (FUSRAP) in such areas as liner
technology and waste stabilization. Though these are
remedial action programs with applied orientation, in
many cases, basic R&D must be undertaken to obtain
practical solutions to problems.
Light Water Reactor Safety and
Technology
Present DOE funding for this effort at ORNL is
small. It is possible, however, that, in response to
Public Law 96-567, there will be increases, starting
in FY 1983, for long-range, high-risk studies not
likely to be supported by industry or the Nuclear
Regulatory Commission (NRC). Key elements of the
DOE program would be conceptual design studies
aimed at safety and operational improvements for
next-generation and existing plants. It is considered
that substantial reductions in risk, both real and per
ceived, must be achieved in both current and future
plants if the important role of LWRs is to be realized.
Space Nuclear Systems
In this program, materials are developed and fabri
cated for use in current and future space missions
and for terrestrial applications. Fabrication activities
include both isotope fuel cladding, using an improved
iridium alloy, and thermal insulation, using a low-
density carbon composite material. In addition, this
program has management responsibility for DOE's
Scientific and Technical Activities 21
inventory of iridium at all Space Nuclear Systems
Program contractor sites. Future efforts will be aimed
at improving the efficiency of the fabrication
processes and providing materials support as needed
for the conceptual design and evaluation of future
space energy systems, including fission power reactor
concepts. The program will slow down after FY 1984
because there are no new planned missions.
Advanced Nuclear Systems
Nuclear Energy Assessment. Tasks in this
area include economic, technical, and environmental
assessments of the ability of nuclear power plants and
their alternatives to supply electricity and heat. A
continuing data base has been developed that charac
terizes the various nuclear power plant options and
their fuel cycles. It is anticipated that continuing stu
dies will focus on intermediate-term problems of
LWRs. Topics to be investigated include the econom
ics of nuclear power versus coal and the relative risks
from electricity-generating plants.
Advanced Systems. In this area, for which
ORNL is lead laboratory, activities in the field of
cogeneration/district heating and programs on energy
centers will be completed. Continuing studies will
focus on small reactors for utility or cogeneration use
and on siting concepts.
Assistant Secretary for Conservation
and Renewable Energy
Conservation (AK, AL, EC, ED, EE,
EF, EG)
The emphasis in conservation research at ORNL
underwent major changes in FY 1981, to comply
with programmatic guidance from DOE. Despite fund
ing reductions, we remain convinced that efficiency is
an essential element in solving energy problems. Our
analysis also indicates that government research can
make a unique contribution to accelerating the adop
tion of energy-efficient technologies. To ensure