Advanced Reactors Pose Opportunities and Challenges for Spent Fuel Management

摘要

A number of advanced reactors that are significantly different from existing reactors are in various stages of design and deployment, with some designs possibly beginning operation in the 2030s. A new working paper released by the Stimson Center as part of its “Safeguarding the Fuel Cycle Project” examines some of the challenges and potential benefits these reactors present, and underscores the premise that spent nuclear fuel (SNF) management for these emerging reactors should be “an essential part of the preparation for their deployment.” Authored by Rowen Price, a Research Assistant with the Nuclear Safeguards Prevention program and the Partnerships in Proliferation program, the working paper describes the status of the current fleet of nuclear power reactors and their waste management status and challenges. Price then explains the development, current status, and waste management concepts for the new set of reactors known as Generation IV reactors, which, although “not yet widely commercialized, aim to reinvigorate nuclear power by increasing safety, improving cost efficiency, and addressing spent fuel concerns.”