Dry storage of spent fuel in Argentina. Prospects and technical solutions

Argentina has two nuclear power stations in operation, with 1018 MW(e) of total power; a third one, of 745 MW(e), is being built. Plans for a fourth nuclear power station are being studied. Projections made using various criteria show that in the year 2020, nuclear power may amount to between 4100 and 16,000 MW(e). For a HWR strategy, this would produce at that time in the country a total inventory of 10,000-24,000 t HM (tonnes heavy metal) of spent fuel. These figures may be lower if the fuel cycle strategy is changed. An analysis is being conducted on these subjects to define strategies and R and D programmes. First conclusions are expected in a few years. In any case, it is better not to make irreversible decision on the management of the back end of the fuel cycle now, as dry storage systems permit the safe and economic management of spent fuel. The evaluations made for future nuclear power stations in Argentina show that the optimal solution is a system combining placement for three years in the nuclear power station's decay pool, with an interim dry storage facility ensuring 50 years of confinement. At the Embalse nuclear power station, which is equipped with a CANDU 600 reactor, a new interim dry storage facility was built to complement the original decay pool that was filled up in 1993. The design and construction were local. This facility is now in operation. Fuel bundles are stored in a system of vertical concrete canisters. Confinement of the radioactive materials is ensured by a three barrier system. Technical and economic information is provided in the paper. (author). 13 refs, 4 figs, 2 tabs