DOE pushes case for new defense reactors

The needs of DOE for production facilities for tritium for nuclear warheads are reported to be two new reactors. The new reactors are needed because there is question as to whether the emergency cooling systems of the P, K, L reactors at DOE's Savannah River, SC plant could withstand a catastrophic event such as an earthquake, and there is doubt as to how long the stainless steel tanks in these reactors will last. These concerns are at the basis of DOE's drive to build at least one production reactor. The Federation of American Scientists and certain members of Congress question why a reactor that is half the size of one of the 2500 megawatt reactors at Savannah River would not meet DOE's needs. Other question apt to be asked of DOE are: 1) what are the plans for the existing reactors at Savannah River, SC and 2) with what standards will DOE comply if the new reactor is not licensed by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. What kind of reactor DOE should build and who might be the contractor are discussed in some detail