Emerging nuclear systems for energy generation and transmutation

Nuclear energy is a proven technology that already makes a large contribution to energy supply worldwide. At the end of 1995, there were 437 nuclear power plants operating in the world with a total capacity of some 344 GW(e). The average annual growth rate of electricity production from nuclear power is estimated to be about 0.6% per year for the period from now to 2015. One of the greatest obstacles facing nuclear energy is the highly radioactive waste which is generated during power production. In order for nuclear power to realize its full potential as a major energy source for the entire world, there must be a safe and effective way to deal with this waste. While mined geological disposal is the method chosen by some countries, it has been consistently stalled by a pervasive public perception that it is not a safe disposal technology. One of the primary reasons for this is the long life of many of the radioisotopes generated from fission. Therefore, science should come to rescue in the form of new, more effective technology aimed at reducing the amount of long-lived radioactive waste and eliminating nuclear weapons grade material through transmutation of these isotopes in fission reactors or accelerators. In the past years more and more studies were carried out on advanced waste management strategy (i.e. actinide separation and elimination) in various countries and at an international level. 3 refs., 1 tab