Fuel streams in closed-cycle light water reactors

The planned closed fuel cycle involving the recycling of reprocessed uranium and plutonium is being implemented in the Federal Republic only in experimental programs at present. This is not due to any difficulties of process technology or to lack of experience, but primarily to the fact that most nuclear power plants have not yet been in operation long enough and, moreover, the necessary reprocessing capacity is not yet available. A closed fuel cycle needs recycling times of three to five years, with five years being more likely in the early phase. For the German nuclear power plants in operation, larger quantities of recycled fissile materials will not arise before the late eighties. It appears to be necessary to expand strongly the capacity for the fabrication of MOX fuel elements so as to be able to offer these MOX fuel elements at prices attractive from the point of view of the fuel economy, should demand develop. The article deals with the streams of materials occurring in a closed fuel cycle on the basis of the parameters associated with light water reactors and certain recycling strategies. (orig.)