Low-enrichment and mid-enrichment denatured (thorium) fuels for the HTGR: a feasibility study. Final report

Operation of HTGRs on proliferation-resistant, low-enrichment and denatured (thorium) fuel cycles is both feasible and practical, based on the findings of a Feasibility Study conducted for the Department of Energy by General Atomic Company. These alternate fuels can be effectively utilized in the first generation of commercial HTGRs, although additional on-going studies are required to optimize the fuel cycle and to verify the fuel design. The Fort St. Vrain HTGR is suitable for an early demonstration of these fuels. This report describes the analyses performed to evaluate the feasibility and optimization of such fuels, their impact on core and plant design, processes for their fabrication, and options for their recycle and waste management. A strategy and schedule for testing of these proliferation-resistant fuels in the Fort St. Vrain HTGR are also included