European transmutation fuels projects

Extensive research programs are being undertaken in Europe, to determine the best options to achieve significant reduction of the radiotoxicity of residual nuclear waste. This requires the development of improved separation techniques for the transuranium elements (Partitioning) as well as of their efficient recycling or destruction in suitable nuclear reactors (Transmutation). For that purpose, new fuels or targets have to be designed, characterised and tested. Within the 5. Framework Programme (FP5) of the European Commission, three specific fuel projects are underway: FUTURE concerns the design, the fabrication and the characterisation of U-free fuels; CONFIRM relates mainly to the Pu nitride design and irradiation testing, and THORIUM CYCLE to the design, fabrication and testing in research and commercial reactors of Thorium-Plutonium fuels. The results obtained so far show that non-uranium oxide fuels are potential candidates for transmutation of Pu and minor actinides, but that neutron irradiation of these specific compounds are still missing. Nitride fuels should be considered as a back-up solution, and Thoria is an alternative option for once-through transmutation of Pu or minor actinides. (authors)