On the choice of technology for a new uranium enrichment plant

Abstract

The question of the choice of technology for a new gas centrifuge uranium enrichment plant is considered and the major factors affecting the cost of construction and operation of such a venture are investigated. Using the method of “essential differences account” (EDA) these factors are compared for two hypothetical plants of equal capacity, using technology provided currently in the uranium enrichment market: the Russian and the West European. The analysis is performed of two parameters that affect the choice of separation technology: 1) the cost of the plant installed capacity, reflecting the capital cost of its construction, and 2) the financial loss due to failure probability of centrifuges in operation, affecting the plant operating costs. It is shown that the main differences in construction costs depend on the characteristics of the gas centrifuge (GC) used. It is also shown that the costs associated with the failed centrifuges replacement are mainly determined by the individual characteristics of centrifuges. The estimates made on the basis of available information show a clear advantage of one of the two considered technological platforms.