Abstract
In light of the increasing demand for energy sources in the world and the need to meet climate goals set by countries, there is growing global interest in high temperature gas cooled reactors (HTGRs), especially as they are known to be inherently safe nuclear reactors. The safety of HTGRs results, among other, from the nature of the nuclear fuel used in them in the form of coated TRISO particles (tri-structural-isotropic) and the reduction of the total amount of radioactive waste generated. This paper reviews numerous methods used to ensure the sustainable, feasible management and long-term storage of HTGR nuclear waste for the protection of the environment and society. The types of waste generated in the HTGR cycle are presented as well as the methods of their characterization, which are important for long-time storage and final disposal. Two leading nuclear fuel cycle strategies, the once-through cycle (direct disposal or open cycle) and the twice-through cycle (recycling or partially closed cycle), are discussed also in relation to TRISO spent fuel. A short review of the possibilities of treatment of TRISO spent nuclear fuel from HTGR reactors is made.
Highlights
Nuclear power technology has been continuously researched and developed since its beginnings in the 1940s
high temperature gas cooled reactors (HTGRs) belong to the Gen IV group of reactors that are characterized by efficient production of energy and providing the process heat at high temperatures that are used in many industrial processes, e.g., in the petrochemical and steel industry and for hydrogen production [1,2]
The effective usage of uranium and plutonium generated in situ in low enriched fuel by high burn; isotopic composition of the spent nuclear fuel is not propitious to proliferate; the TRISO coatings which give a potential long resistant barrier to the transport of fission product and reduce the necessity for extra barriers; the low fuel power density, the using passive air cooling strategies cause that it is ready from the initial time to intermediate storage; the possibility to use disposal methods elaborated for medium active waste to spent
Summary
Nuclear power technology has been continuously researched and developed since its beginnings in the 1940s. Typical reasons for concerns are related to safety aspects, the radioactive pollution risk, high investment costs, and the production of high-level activity nuclear waste that creates a threat for many millions of years These concerns have increased after the Fukushima Daiichi accident in. The basic condition for the implementation of HTGR technology is to ensure constant supplies of TRISO fuel or to launch a production line in the country. Another problem to solve is handling this unusual fuel after it is discharged from the reactor. Safety of the operation of high-temperature reactors with the use of the new TRISO fuel is crucial for the implementation of HTGR technology and its further dissemination. The form and structure of the fuel determines the approach to handling it after burnout and discharge from the reactor
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