Closing the nuclear fuel cycle and moving toward a sustainable energy development

The management and disposition of spent nuclear fuel produced by nuclear reactors and the separated fissile from dismantled nuclear weapons are currently among the most pressing environmental and proliferation problems. Public debate and skeptism over the long-term disposal of radioactive wastes also undermine the credibility, if not the viability, of the nuclear power industries. This study examines the feasibility of (1) closing the nuclear fuel cycle for the management and disposal of spent fuel and radioactive wastes, including an assessment of reprocessing costs, and (2) pursuing a regional compact framework to establish regional control of separated fissile material and appropriate safety culture for operating nuclear plants, and to promote regional economic cooperation supported by reliable and environmentally-sound nuclear energy supply. (author)