West Germany's efforts to close the nuclear fuel cycle: Strategies for radioactive waste management

Abstract

West Germany's efforts to reach a mature nuclear economy by [closing] the [back end] of the nuclear fuel cycle are discussed with special emphasis on radioactive waste management strategies. the radioactive wastes that would be generated in a closed nuclear fuel cycle are described. A brief discussion is given of the motives that underlie the current international disagreement regarding the desirability of, and the need for, closing the nuclear fuel cycle. West Germany's concept for closing the nuclear fuel cycle is outlined including institutional arrangements and responsibilities. A discussion of radioactive waste classification follows. Expected volumes and inventories of radioactive wastes are pointed out. Current practices, and research and development work in the treatment and disposal of radioactive wastes are outlined. A final section is devoted to the history, circumstances and implications of the current requirement for a [solution] for the back end of the nuclear fuel cycle as a precondition for continued expansion of nuclear power in West Germany.