A Government Accountability Office report made public yesterday found several shortcomings in the Department of Energy’s fuel cycle research and development plan. “DOE has taken a systematic approach to planning for the complex, scientifically challenging process of identifying and selecting sustainable nuclear fuel cycle options and associated technologies by 2020 and demonstrating them by 2050,” the report states. “We are concerned, however, that DOE’s initial steps will not be followed by actions needed to sustain its plans over this long period to achieve this goal.” The report found that DOE has failed to take into account the time and cost of developing fuel cycle technologies under consideration, and it suggests the Department increase collaboration with foreign countries and the nuclear industry in its efforts. It also suggests DOE’s Office of Nuclear Energy develop a memorandum of understanding with NNSA “to avoid overlap and duplication in their efforts to minimize proliferation and terrorism risks.”
Jobs