Radioactive Waste from Nuclear Fusion: Decommissioning Wastes from ITER in Four Potential Host Nations

Abstract

An analysis is presented of the radioactive wastes from the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) and how those wastes would fit into the regulatory environments of four potential host nations: France, Germany, Japan, and the United States. The reactor described in the ITER Draft Interim Design Report is used as the basis for the radioactive inventory assessments that are carried out using ONEDANT for the neutron transport calculations and ACAB for the activation calculations. The radioactive material produced by operation of the reactor is rated according to the protocols for waste management in each nation and at specific disposal sites currently operating in those nations. Results of the assessments vary drastically between disposal sites - even between near-surface-burial sites within the U.S. Department of Energy. One disposal site (Westinghouse Hanford Company) could accept all of ITER’s wastes after a storage and cooling period (all wastes are assessed at 30 yr after shutdown). Other sites (the Savannah River and the Nevada Test Sites) could not accept any components within the toroidal field coils, similar to the restrictions in Germany. Blanket modules would be excluded from near-surface burial in France and Japan, but other components may qualify.