Economic consequences of fuel defects in light water reactors

Substantial financial incentives exist for pursuing zero defect fuel. The cost of defective fuel, even at levels much less than 0.1 percent failure, can total as much as $2 to $3 million per year for a light water reactor. The underlying assumptions in developing these costs are conservative and reinforce the need for the goal of zero defect fuel. In short, there are promising design concepts for improving fuel performance and achieving zero defect fuel that the industry should pursue