A consultant's view of the use of advanced nuclear reactors in developing countries

This paper outlines some of the differences between the institutional, financial and economic problems of a small nuclear steam plant and those of a large power plant. If there are no other nuclear plants in a country then very careful consideration should be given to the institutional problems. In the light of the experience of MOTOR-COLUMBUS this paper has examined the problems and difficulties of introducing advanced reactor systems such as the HTRs to provide high temperature steam to allow the extraction of oil from heavy crude oil deposits or from tar sands. The most frequent reason for abandoning nuclear power projects in developing countries over the last decade has been the failure to obtain funds. Certain factors have been indicated in this paper which make the provision of funds easier for a small nuclear power plant as compared to a large one. (author). 1 fig