Recognising interdependencies in design of nuclear fuel cycle and transportation of SNF and HLW

Abstract

Spent nuclear fuel (SNF) discharged from a nuclear power plant and high level radioactive waste (HLW) generated during reprocessing SNF are typically stored at the sites where they are generated, often for prolonged periods of time. Eventually, however, these materials must be transported off-site to an interim storage facility, a reprocessing plant, or directly to a deep geologic repository. This paper considers the interdependencies between nuclear fuel cycle options and the transportation system, and argues that both must be addressed as part of an integrated system. Two examples are presented to illustrate why this is important. The first draws from experience gained during development of the US Department of Energy’s (DOE) program for disposing of SNF and HLW in a proposed repository. In particular, decisions DOE made with regard to waste package design had profound implications on the viability of the transportation system. The second example relates to operational changes now underway at nuclear power plants. The impact on fuel integrity of storage over long time periods and subsequently in transportation is not known, particularly for high burn-up fuel that is rapidly becoming the industry norm. Absent consideration of storage and transport interdependencies, this could become problematic in terms of future handling operations, especially if it results in repackaging being required before transport. The present paper emphasises the need to recognise and address interdependencies in the design of the nuclear fuel cycle and the transportation of SNF and HLW as a proactive part of the planning process, rather than as a problem that is addressed as an afterthought. It also identifies an opportunity for this to be taken into account in preparing for future operations, offering the potential to achieve benefits for the industry overall, including for transportation of SNF and HLW.

Keywords:

• Transport
• Interface with repository and NPP
• Storage
• Package design

This paper reflects the views solely of the authors and should not be interpreted as an official position of the US Nuclear Waste Technical Review Board. The authors would like to acknowledge the assistance and cooperation of fellow Board members and staff, particularly Gene Rowe, in the preparation of this paper. Figure 1 was developed as a part of the Nuclear Waste Technical Review Board’s NUWASTE project, which projects the material balances, waste generation and transportation requirements for alternative nuclear fuel cycles.