A scenario study on the transition to a closed nuclear fuel cycle using the nuclear energy system modelling application package (NESAPP)

Andrei A. Andrianov,Ilya S. Kuptsov,Tatyana V. Utianskaya,Olga N. Andrianova,Leonid I. Svetlichny,Fanny Courtin,Francisco Alvarez-Velarde,Philippe Moisy,Léa Tillard

doi:10.1051/epjn/2021029

Andrei A. Andrianov, Ilya S. Kuptsov + Show 7 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1051/epjn/2021029

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Abstract

The paper presents the results of a case study on evaluating performance and sustainability metrics for Russian nuclear energy deployment scenarios with thermal and sodium-cooled fast reactors in a closed nuclear fuel cycle. Ten possible scenarios are considered which differ in the shares of thermal and sodium-cooled fast reactors, including options involving the use of mixed uranium-plutonium oxide fuel in thermal reactors. The evolution of the following performance and sustainability metrics is estimated for the period from 2020 to 2100 based on the considered assumptions: annual and cumulative uranium consumption, needs for uranium enrichment capacities, fuel fabrication and reprocessing capacities, spent fuel stocks, radioactive wastes, amounts of plutonium in the nuclear fuel cycle, amounts of accumulated depleted uranium, and the levelised electricity generation cost. The results show that the sustainability of the Russian nuclear energy system can be significantly enhanced through the intensive deployment of sodium-cooled fast reactors and the transition to a closed nuclear fuel cycle. The authors have highlighted some issues for further considerations, which will lead to more rigorous conclusions regarding the preferred options for the development of the national nuclear energy system.

Highlights

In the Russian Federation, the deployment of a twocomponent nuclear energy system (NES) based on the conjoint operation of pressurised light water reactors and sodium-cooled fast reactors in a closed nuclear fuel cycle is considered as one of the possible perspective ways to enhance the sustainability of national nuclear power
It should be noted that the time dependence of metrics in the general case does lead to ambiguity in recommendations for different timeframes: some configurations can demonstrate, for instance, an improvement in long-term performance while reducing short- or medium-term ones
It is clearly shown by the following metrics from the considered list, such as spent fuel inventories, annual needs in SNF reprocessing services, radioactive waste inventories, or amounts of plutonium in the fuel cycle

Summary

Introduction

In the Russian Federation, the deployment of a twocomponent nuclear energy system (NES) based on the conjoint operation of pressurised light water reactors and sodium-cooled fast reactors in a closed nuclear fuel cycle is considered as one of the possible perspective ways to enhance the sustainability of national nuclear power. Various possible configurations of the two-component NES can have certain similarities and differences, and respective merits and demerits associated with each specific NES configuration can be quantified through performance and sustainability metrics characterising resource consumption, material flows in the fuel cycle, needs for fuel cycle services, economic indicators, etc., which will evolve over time In this context, it becomes necessary to identify the most promising two-component NES configurations by carrying out scenario studies on the transition to a closed fuel cycle, in which the multiple representative and feasible scenarios for developing the national two-component NES with thermal and fast reactors are analysed using the transient scenario analysis codes. An appropriate analytical framework can be used for providing recommendations regarding the most effective ways to enhance the sustainability of national nuclear power

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