If a nuclear power plant can buy 86% enriched fuel for $21000/lb and can buy cheaper less enriched uranium that is 80% pure and for $14000/lb still using as a mixer the 57% pure uranium at $5000/lb which fuel is going to be more cost effective for the plant?

User Icon for MathMate MathMate answered
12 years ago

If it's the pure content that counts, then the proportionate cost for the pure compound is:

for 86% : 21000/0.86=$24418.60 / lb.
for 80% : 14000/0.80=$17500.00 / lb.

The 80% material is more effective.