FUEL DEVELOPMENTS FOR TRANSMUTATION

摘要

Transmutation of long-lived radio-nuclides is an option for reducing the hazards linked to the back-end of the nuclear fuel cycle. Previous studies have demonstrated that the main contributor to spent fuel radio-toxicity is by far Pu, followed by Am and Cm. Prerequisite for any efficient transmutation strategy is therefore Pu multiple recycling, whereas Am and Cm could be treated in different ways, including multiple recycling or once-through burning in dedicated targets. In all cases, however, the transmutation efficiency must be maximised, a condition best achieved if uranium-free fuels are considered. At the Institute for Transuranium Elements (ITU), extensive experimental work is being performed to develop fabrication processes for these innovative compounds, and to characterise their properties. This work is done within European collaborations, and is partially funded under the European Framework Programmes.