Recognising interdependencies in design of nuclear fuel cycle and transportation of SNF and HLW

Abstract

Spent nuclear fuel (SNF) discharged from a nuclear power plant and high level radioactive waste (HLW) generated during reprocessing SNF are typically stored at the sites where they are generated, often for prolonged periods of time. Eventually, however, these materials must be transported off-site to an interim storage facility, a reprocessing plant, or directly to a deep geologic repository. This paper considers the interdependencies between nuclear fuel cycle options and the transportation system, and argues that both must be addressed as part of an integrated system. Two examples are presented to illustrate why this is important. The first draws from experience gained during development of the US Department of Energy’s (DOE) program for disposing of SNF and HLW in a proposed repository. In particular, decisions DOE made with regard to waste package design had profound implications on the viability of the transportation system. The second example relates to operational changes now underway at nuclear po...