Perspective Chapter: Safe Disposal and Storage of Nuclear Waste

Guo, Xiaolei

doi:10.5772/intechopen.1008789

Perspective Chapter: Safe Disposal and Storage of Nuclear Waste

Other · 09 January 2025 · Nuclear Fission Energy - Carbon Net Zero, Sustainability and Energy Availability [Working Title]

DOI:https://doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.1008789· OSTI ID:2499272

Guo, Xiaolei ^[1]

Colorado School of Mines, Golden, CO (United States); Colorado School of Mines

The use of nuclear energy inevitably generates nuclear waste as the byproduct of fission reactions. Depending on the initial composition of the fuel that goes into the reactor and the subsequent burn-up level, the chemistry of the resulting nuclear waste can vary substantially. This waste typically exhibits a broad spectrum of radioactivity and half-lives, making effective management one of the most critical challenges for global nuclear energy. This chapter provides a comprehensive overview of the origin and classification of nuclear waste and various strategies for its safe immobilization and disposal. The short- and long-term storage of waste with varying radioactivity is addressed. The significant technical and political complexities involving primarily long-term disposal are also discussed. To ensure the safe and permanent disposal of hazardous waste with extremely long half-lives, future efforts should focus on both technical innovation and public engagement.

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Research Organization:: Colorado School of Mines, Golden, CO (United States)

Sponsoring Organization:: USDOE Office of Nuclear Energy (NE), Nuclear Energy University Program (NEUP)

DOE Contract Number:: NE0009388

OSTI ID:: 2499272

Country of Publication:: United States

Language:: English

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36 MATERIALS SCIENCE
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Perspective Chapter: Safe Disposal and Storage of Nuclear Waste

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References (60)

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