Moving from Closed to Open Fuel Cycle within the UK while Keeping Future Fuel Cycle Options Open

摘要

Within the UK a closed fuel cycle has been in operation for decades but with the introduction of a new build programme to create 16GWe capacity using LWR technology and with the closure of THORP and Magnox, an open fuel cycle will be implemented beyond 2020. However, it is expected that 16GWe nuclear capacity will not be enough and as such further expansion scenarios are being considered between 40 and 75GWe by 2050. These scenarios look at open and closed fuel cycles together with current and new reactor technology and associated fuel cycles. Should the UK expand nuclear capacity to the levels being studied, a significant amount of used fuel will result and as such consideration will need to be given to the potential for a closed fuel cycle once more. This choice will depend on associated economics, together with the available reactor technologies and GDF capacity at that time. As such research will be required to understand the implications of these expansion scenarios and the perceived benefit of the fuel cycle of choice which will be ultimately pursued.