Economic assessment of alternative Pyro-SFR nuclear fuel cycle in Korea

Abstract

In this paper, an attempt was made to present the cost required to dry-process spent fuel for a light-water reactor (PWR) and to evaluate the economy of Pyro-processing. As the Pyro-processing cost of dry-processing is calculated to be 781 $/kgHM and the break-even point of the Pyro-processing cost for direct disposal is calculated to be approximately $800/kgHM, it was determined that the Pyro-SFR connected nuclear fuel cycle is somewhat more economical than direct disposal. However, since there is no commercial Pyro facility available as of yet, uncertainty regarding the Pyro facility cost is very large. And as a result of a cost uncertainty analysis, the cost differential between direct disposal and Pyro-SFR nuclear fuel cycle has turned out to be within the statistical range of error. Hence, a judgment as to the relative economic benefit between direct disposal and Pyro-processing is hard to make for the time being. However, if a more efficient continuous process technology is developed for Pyro-processing in the future, the economical viability of the process is expected to be improved.