The History and Status of KAERI's Research Activities to Strengthen Nonproliferation for Nuclear Fuel Cycle

摘要

KAERI (Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute) has been conducting nuclear nonproliferation studies in advanced nuclear fuel cycle development. Since the early 1990s, when the DUPIC (Direct Use of PWR spent fuel in CANDU reactors) fuel cycle development program began with a joint study between ROK, the US, and Canada, a Safeguards-By-Design concept for DUPIC facilities has been developed, and a reliable nonproliferation technology through joint research with the IAEA has been attempted. During the 2000s, when pyroprocessing fuel cycle research began, significant effort was devoted to nuclear nonproliferation studies, including the development of safeguards techniques. Since the late 2000s, KAERI has been developing a safeguards approach for REPF (Reference Engineering-scale Pyroprocessing Facility) and provided it to the IAEA through an MSSP (Member State Support Program). Furthermore, KAERI has contributed greatly to the development of the proliferation resistance evaluation methodology by taking a leading role in GIF (Gen-IV International Forum) PRPPWG (Proliferation Resistance & Physical Protection Working Group) and IAEA INPRO (International Project on Innovative Nuclear Reactors and Fuel Cycles). In addition, the successful implementation of the multilateral cooperation project for the development and qualification of high-density LEU fuels agreed upon at the 2012 NSS (Nuclear Security Summit) was recognized by the international community, especially regarding KAERI's relevant technologies and efforts on the minimization of civil uses of HEU. KAERI is continuing its nonproliferation research such as the development of safeguard systems and proliferation resistance enhancement for the innovative nuclear fuel cycles including spent fuel treatment, which shall contribute to strengthening international efforts to secure nuclear nonproliferation.