Disposition of excess plutonium

The projected availability of up to 50 tonnes, i.e., 50,000 kg, of excess plutonium from the U.S. nuclear weapons program by the year 2005 has captured the interest of nuclear power proponents as well as opponents. Proponents see an opportunity in the availability of additional fissile material that can further the development of advanced nuclear reactors while simultaneously consuming the excess plutonium. Opponents of nuclear power see an opportunity not only to ensure that the number of nuclear weapons in the world remains at currently projected reduced levels but also to dispose of the excess plutonium in a way that renders it permanently unusable. As both the custodian and manager of excess plutonium from retired nuclear weapons, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is evaluating options for disposition of the excess plutonium. This paper reviews a number of available options for disposition and considers issues that must be addressed