Research and Development on Nuclide Partitioning and Transmutation Technology in the Future Nuclear Cycle

In this report, a long-term R and D program covering both nuclides partitioning technology for reprocessing high-level radioactive waste and transmutation technology for long-lived nuclides is presented. Related development of nucleoside partitioning from TRW wastes other than reprocessing HLA is also expected to be included in the R and D program in the near future. For utilization of nuclides partitioning and transmutation technology, general study is still needed of various issues including safety and economy. As for the period of R and D described in this report, its would be appropriate to make checks and reviews every three to five years in the light of reality. The treatment of reprocessing high level radioactive waste (HLA) here in Japan is based on the following national approach : the waste is solidified into a stable form and stored for 30 to 50 years, and then disposed of in a deep geological formation several hundred meters or more under the ground surface. As a longer term effort, the interested Japanese organizations are proposing to initiate a major R and D program on the partitioning of nuclides and their transmutation. This program shall assess the merits, pros and cons, of possibly carrying the fore mentioned HLA reprocessing steps further, and seeking to separate out the useful elements contained in the waste.