Management Of Damaged Spent Nuclear Fuel

Given current energy projections, it is likely that interest in nuclear energy will grow, resulting in more fuel passing through the back end of the fuel cycle. To minimise the time, risk and resources associated with management of this spent nuclear fuel, it is important to minimise the amount and handling of damaged spent fuel. Arising from an IAEA meeting on this topic, this publication provides assistance in determining if fuel with a particular type of defect is acceptable or if it requires non-standard handling. The publication is intended to facilitate evaluation of the costs and benefits of design concepts or design changes for storage or transport systems, and to help in selecting appropriate methods for identifying and handling damaged spent nuclear fuel.

This report provides a comprehensive review of management insights and principles on on-site, post-accident activities at nuclear power plants experiencing significant fuel damage. It combines information on emergency response procedures and off-site plans with a discussion of on-site experience. lt provides a reference text on the requirements that arise after the critical phase of emergency response.

Options for Management of Spent Fuel and Radioactive Waste for Countries Developing New Nuclear Power Programmes IAEA Nuclear Energy Series No. NW-T-1.24 (Rev. 1)

Increasing the fraction of nuclear power in the mix of power-generation technologies is one approach to reducing emissions of greenhouse gases. If nuclear power is to be sustainable option for the United States, methods for managing spent fuel that meet stringent safety and environmental standards must be implemented. This book evaluates four approaches and draws policy implications associated with different societal priorities and values.

Spent nuclear fuel, the used fuel removed from nuclear reactors, is one of the most hazardous substances created by humans. Commercial spent fuel is stored at reactor sites; about 74 percent of it is stored in pools of water, and 26 percent has been transferred to dry storage casks. The United States has no permanent disposal site for the nearly 70,000 metric tons of spent fuel currently stored in 33 states. This book examines the amount of spent fuel expected to accumulate before it can be moved from commercial nuclear reactor sites; the key risks posed by stored spent nuclear fuel and actions to help mitigate these risks; and the key benefits and challenges of moving spent nuclear fuel out of wet storage and ultimately away from commercial nuclear reactors.

This book addresses a very important challenge of the present – complex decommissioning of the nuclear-powered vessels taken out of service and environmental rehabilitation of the centers of basing and everyday running of different-type nuclear vessels. The book specifically focuses on the scientific and technical problems of management of naval spent nuclear fuel and radioactive waste.