Partitioning and transmutation of nuclear waste: the dutch ras programme and its relation to international studies

In the present paper a review of the Dutch RAS programme is presented. The objectives and achievements of the programme arc described. Special attention is given to a recent assessment of the international status of P and T that has been made for the Dutch authorities. The major conclusion of this assessment is that P and T is an important instrument in the management of nuclear waste to achieve the technical limits (ALARA) with respect to radiotoxicity of the waste inventory as well as radiological effects of the disposal. The technology for P and T is, however, only partially available at present and recommendations for the directions of the RAS programme are given. (authors)