Multilateralization Of The Nuclear Fuel Cycle

Global energy demands are driving a potential expansion in the use of nuclear energy worldwide. It is estimated that the global nuclear power capacity could double by 2030. This could result in dissemination of sensitive nuclear technologies that present obvious risks of proliferation. Certain international institutional mechanisms for controlling access to sensitive materials, facilities and technologies are needed for dealing with this problem. Over the past few years, 12 proposals have been put forward by states, nuclear industry and international organizations, aimed at checking the spread of uranium enrichment and spent fuel reprocessing technologies. This book presents an overview and analysis of these proposals, including an evaluation of the projected international mechanisms.

Addresses the security risks to a world without nuclear weapons that could come from from nuclear fuel-cycle technologies.

"To be successful, multilateral fuel cycle arrangements will require broad political consensus on how the international community can limit the spread of sensitive nuclear technologies, while allowing full access for all states to the benefits of peaceful applications of nuclear energy. This book examines the priorities and concerns of non-supplier states and identifies areas of potential convergence for suppliers and non-suppliers."--P. [4] of cover.

Contents: (1) Introduction; (2) Renewed Interest in Nuclear Power Expansion: (a) Worldwide Nuclear Power Status; (b) Nuclear Fuel Services Market: Yellowcake; Conversion; Enrichment; Fuel Fabrication; (c) Final Stages of the Fuel Cycle; (d) Waste Disposal and Energy Security; (3) Proposals on the Fuel Cycle: Pres. Bush¿s '04 Proposal; Discussions in the Nuclear Suppliers Group; El Baradei Proposal; IAEA Experts Group/INFCIRC/640; Putin Initiative; Six Country Concept; IAEA Fuel Bank; Congress. Support; World Nuclear Assoc.; IAEA Standby Arrange. System; Multilateral Enrichment Sanctuary Project; Enrichment Bonds; Global Nuclear Energy Partnership; (4) Comparison of Proposals; (5) Prospects for Implementing Fuel Assurance Mechanisms.

The so-called nuclear renaissance has increased worldwide interest in nuclear power. This potential growth also has increased, in some quarters, concern that nonproliferation considerations are not being given sufficient attention. In particular, since introduction of many new power reactors will lead to requiring increased uranium enrichment services to provide the reactor fuel, the proliferation risk of adding enrichment facilities in countries that do not have them now led to proposals to provide the needed fuel without requiring indigenous enrichment facilities. Similar concerns exist for reprocessing facilities. Internationalization of the Nuclear Fuel Cycle summarizes key issues and analyses of the topic, offers some criteria for evaluating options, and makes findings and recommendations to help the United States, the Russian Federation, and the international community reduce proliferation and other risks, as nuclear power is used more widely. This book is intended for all those who are concerned about the need for assuring fuel for new reactors and at the same time limiting the spread of nuclear weapons. This audience includes the United States and Russia, other nations that currently supply nuclear material and technology, many other countries contemplating starting or growing nuclear power programs, and the international organizations that support the safe, secure functioning of the international nuclear fuel cycle, most prominently the International Atomic Energy Agency.

This report provides a description of the developments and trends in the nuclear fuel cycle that may improve the competitiveness and sustainability of nuclear generating systems over the medium and long term. It also presents criteria and indicators for future nuclear energy systems.