Breeder Reactors and the Spread of Plutonium
ResearchPublished 1966
A summary of the increase in civilian nuclear power and the danger of diversion to weapons. The fast breeder reactor, which processes natural or depleted uranium and produces more and higher-quality plutonium than it consumes, provides a permanent solution to the ever-increasing world demand for energy. Nuclear plants are expected to become the primary source of electrical power in industrial countries. Each fast breeder reactor contains enough plutonium for hundreds of weapons at 5 to 10 kg each; half of it is in a form particularly adapted to military use. The enormous amounts present in all countries that produce electric power will double every ten years. (Prepared for presentation to the RAND Board of Trustees.)
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Document Details
- Copyright: RAND Corporation
- Availability: Available
- Year: 1966
- Print Format: Paperback
- Paperback Pages: 8
- Paperback Price: $20.00
- Document Number: P-3483
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Gilinsky, Victor, Breeder Reactors and the Spread of Plutonium, RAND Corporation, P-3483, 1966. As of September 24, 2024: https://www.rand.org/pubs/papers/P3483.html
Gilinsky, Victor, Breeder Reactors and the Spread of Plutonium. Santa Monica, CA: RAND Corporation, 1966. https://www.rand.org/pubs/papers/P3483.html. Also available in print form.
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