Plan For Research To Improve The Safety Of Light Water Nuclear Power Plants

The Energy Research Advisory Board (ERAB) was requested to under take an examination of safety research and development (R and D) on light water reactors (LWRs) in order to advise the Department of Energy (DOE) on the adequacy of those efforts for making effective use of nuclear power. In carrying out this examination, DOE asked that ERAB: (1) review the adequacy of DOE's LWR safety R and D management plan prepared pursuant to Public Law 96-567, (2) examine the safety-related R and D conducted by the various government and nongovernment groups, and (3) identify R and D that could result in major design improvements to LWRs. To carry out this examination, ERAB appointed an expert panel. This report contains the results of ERAB's examination of the first two of the above subjects. The Board has yet to consider the subject of nonsafety-related long-term LWR R and D, as also requested by DOE. Furthermore, in keeping with the Department's guidance, this report does not include an examination of the R and D on related activities such as reprocessing, waste management, and the breeder.