Scenario with inert matrix fuel: a specific study

Abstract

In this paper, we describe a strategy study concerning the future of the French nuclear energy infrastructure, with a scenario involving reactors loaded with inert matrix fuel. We select the problem of the inventory control of minor actinides by target introduction into fast reactors. Added to pressurized water reactors in the French nuclear infrastructure, this scenario permits one to balance plutonium and minor actinide production and consumption and to obtain a substantial reduction of the radiological impact compared to a non-reprocessing fuel scenario on a one million year scale.