[en] A review of the laser fusion research program in the US is given. The programs at LLL, LASL, and KMS Fusion are described. The prospects for using ion beam drivers are also discussed

[en] The US approach to the fusion energy research program is described. The issues involved in the ETF and INTOR programs are discussed

[en] The US Nuclear Regulatory Commission has joined hands with key industry personnel to develop a procedures guide on methods of probabilistic risk assessment. In an unprecedented move, the NRC initiated discussions with industry representatives in mid-1980 on the feasibility of gaining broad technical input to its Interim Reliability Evaluation Program (IREP). The objective of the joint NRC-industry program is to prepare a procedures guide that documents the present state of the art for all major facets of probabilistic risk assessment (PRA) as applied to nuclear power plants. The guide will not constitute an encyclopedia of all possible approaches, but will focus on one or a few mutually acceptable methods of performing key portions of PRA

[en] The need for the deployment of fast breeder reactors in West Germany is discussed and some of the arguments against deployment are examined. Topics covered include future energy deman, uranium demand in West Germany, world uranium demand, proliferation aspects, weapons use of nuclear materials, amount of sensitive materials in the fuel cycle, and alternative fuel cycles

[en] A general overview of the major design approaches and support facilities for magnetic and inertial fusion research in the United States is given. Some milestones achieved by each device are discussed

[en] Radioactive effluents associated with the Three Mile Island-2 reactor accident are analyzed. Emergency procedures related to the protection of surrounding populations are analyzed with regards to feasibility and effectiveness. 36 references

[en] This paper presents an overview of the current status of low-level radioactive waste (LLW) management in the USA. Low-level wastes are defined as all wastes containing less than 10 n Ci/g (370 Bq/g) transuranic nuclides and that are not mine or mill tailings. There are currently 3 operating commercial LLW disposal sites in the USA. It is estimated that 6 disposal sites are needed for adequate disposal capacity for the country. Costs for disposal and transport are discussed. Technology advancements in volume reduction are described. The need for a sensible system of regulations is also expanded upon. The roles of the NRC and DOE in this area are presented. The author predicts that the LLW management situation will be sensibly resolved and functional within 2 years and a new disposal site will be in operation within 5 years

[en] Beyond the current concerns over the adequacy of safeguards, an unprecedented effort is underway, in which a number of countries are cooperating, to develop improved safeguards technology as an improved understanding of safeguard concepts. The progress already made in this effort provides substantial grounds for the conclusion that, with adequate resources and state cooperation, safeguards can measure up to the challenge of providing a reliable assurance of compliance with nonproliferation undertakings

[en] As part of an overall restructuring of the International Atomic Energy Agency's Department of Nuclear Energy, the agency has established the Nuclear Information Section (NIS). The restructuring, recently announced by IAEA Director General Yukiya Amano, also includes the creation of a separate Nuclear Knowledge Management (NKM) Section, as demand for assistance in this area is growing among member countries. According to the NIS Web site, 'This restructuring and the creation of the NIS provides an opportunity for further enhancing existing information products and services and introducing new ones-all with an eye towards advancing higher organizational efficiency and effectiveness.'

[en] Topics discussed in this section include: (1) GAO reports that huge sums spent, but nothing to show for LLW compacts; and (2) DOE awards funding of more than $25 million for 31 new research projects that will address subsurface environmental cleanup