Comparative energy risk assessments

This report discusses the major factors which have made, and continue to make, the comparison of risks from different energy sources a difficult task. In particular, it addresses six areas of fundamental difficulty in making such comparisons. These areas include--portion of the fuel cycle included, technologies to be used, level of technology, assumptions of market penetration and siting, allocations between energy and non-energy risks, and comparing dissimilar risks. The report illustrates the magnitude of the problems of risk comparison by demonstrating the range of results obtained from some of the major energy risk assessments. A compilation of recent major energy risk assessments and energy risk comparisons in both the U.S. and other countries is also included.,Abstract -- Introduction -- Analytical Difficulties. What portions of the Fuel Cycle Are/Should Be Incorporated in the Computation of Total Risk? ; What Technologies Are/Should Be Used to Compute the Risk From Each Source? ; What Level of Technology Should Be Used to Compute Risks for Each Energy Source? ; Should the Same Market Penetration, Siting, and Other Factors be Assumed for Each Technology? ; How Should Risks Be Allocated Between Energy and Non-Energy Sectors ; How Does One Compare Apples and Oranges? -- Conclusion -- Appendix I: References.,Gail H. Marcus, specialist in Science and Technology, Science Policy Research Division,CRS 85-730 SPR,"May 2, 1985.",SuDoc# 14. 18/3