Spent Fuel Performance and Research in Germany

For the long term management of spent fuel, dry storage in dual purpose casks and direct disposal remain the management policy in Germany. Due to the lacking progress in developing a repository for heat generating waste in deep geological formations the likely extension of the interim storage period beyond 40 years raises issues especially regarding degradation of fuel and the functional reliability of the cask closure system. OBJECTIVE: • Investigation of irradiated fuel rods exposed to mechanic stress; • Review of longterm performance of lid systems bolted to the cask body and tightened by Helicoflex® metallic gaskets