Analysis of factors influencing national spent fuel management strategies and an overview of worldwide activities

Various factors have caused changes in the characteristics of nuclear fuel cycles from what was envisioned in many nations in the early days of commercial nuclear power development. Most notably, commercial deployment of fast breeder reactors has been substantially delayed, leading to a commercial demand for plutonium that is lower than once projected. Reprocessing of spent fuel to recover plutonium has progressed in some countries according to plans which were based on more extensive development of nuclear power in general and a foreseen need for plutonium fuelled breeders to ensure an adequate nuclear fuel supply. Plutonium recycling in thermal reactors is now being adopted in several countries. This analysis reviews the factors which have had the greatest influence on nuclear fuel cycle characteristics in the nations of the world outside centrally planned economies area (WOCA), and describes the resulting strategies of ten individual nations with respect to spent fuel management, plutonium and uranium recycling, and waste disposal. Country specific data are provided on spent fuel generation, reprocessing capacities, breeder development, mixed oxide fuel fabrication, and waste disposal plans and schedules. The analysis shows that the factors identified have not had a uniform impact on the nations surveyed, as some now plan once-through use of fuel while others are reprocessing and continuing efforts to demonstrate breeder technology. This situation highlights the need for nations with different fuel cycle strategies to coexist and accept the approaches in other nations as the most appropriate strategies for the individual energy needs of those nations. Such coexistence is essential for maintenance of positive international relations in nuclear energy and achievement of common non-proliferation objectives. (author). 12 refs, 1 fig., 5 tabs