Nuclear fusion waste classification of K-DEMO under the Korean radioactive waste regulations

Abstract

The nuclear fusion waste generated by the activation of the constitutent components of the Korean fusion DEMOnstration reactor (K-DEMO) is assessed after the end of life (EOL). Based on the results, an attempt is made to classify the radioactive waste (RW) according to the Korean regulations on RW classification and self-disposal standards. One hundred years after EOL, most (∼90%) of the reduced activation ferritic/martensitic steel structures in the tritium-breeding blanket can be classified as intermediate-level waste (ILW). One-third of the total weight of borated stainless steel inside the shielding blanket can also be classified as ILW 100 years after EOL. The remaining components of the K-DEMO are assessed as low-level waste. Based on this study, fusion waste disposal strategies will be planned in parallel with the advance of the K-DEMO design to minimize the fraction of ILW.