Research and development relating to reprocessing and wastes at the Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique (CEA)

In view of the progress made in studies on reprocessing and wastes during the last decade, and with a view to industrial development, most R and D work on the back end of the fuel cycle at the CEA has been concentrated in a unit devoted specifically to this activity. The work on reprocessing is divided into different steps: hot laboratory studies, chemical engineering studies, technological development and prototype testing, and active pilot plant experiments. The main purposes of these studies were - and still are - extension of the La Hague plant (UP3 and UP2-800) and reprocessing of FBR fuels. The renovated Marcoule pilot plant, now under testing, is designed specially for such fuels. A branch has recently been established for qualification of remote control techniques. Programmes are being developed for modernization of the existing plants and for future plants. A specialized department is in charge of all studies on waste treatment, conditioning and storage, including the design and behaviour of artificial barriers and characterization of the conditioned waste. In connection with these programmes, work is also being done on materials, corrosion and analysis. A review is given of the major R and D activities. (author)