POLLUTION ASPECTS OF NUCLEAR-ENERGY USE

Models are developed wherein the society, wishing to maximize the present discounted value of energy output net of pollution costs and with fixed resources for energy production, must decide what portion of its energy needs will be met by fossil fuel and what portion by nuclear energy. It is shown that the pollution effects of each alternative are as important in determining the pattern of energy use as the cost of production of each alternative. Several sets of assumptions about production costs and pollution generation are considered.