Reactor shutdowns loom up for 1980s as nation moves deeper into spent fuel pickle

The U.S. faces a short-term problem of inadequate electric generating capacity and a long-term problem of nuclear weapons proliferation unless a solution is found to the impasse over spent-fuel reprocessing. The Carter Administration policy of deferring commercial reprocessing indefinitely conflicts with its inaction in constructing permanent storage facilities. The dilemma, due to an abrupt change of direction after 20 years of government support for commercial reprocessing, is traced to India's 1974 nuclear explosion and a subsequent reassessment of proliferation risks. The economic impact of present U.S. policies is expected to be a significant increase in the price of uranium, while trade negotiations, based to some extent on the U.S. nuclear industry and uranium enrichment capability, could suffer. Indications are noted that the Administration may be reassessing whether the U.S. can determine the worldwide nuclear energy future, or if the net result will be to deprive the U.S. of an important energy source. The case is developed for reprocessing and co-location of facilities for security reasons, with an immediate program for expanding storage capacity