Status of the US foreign research reactor spent nuclear fuel program

Journal Article · Thu May 01 04:00:00 EDT 1997 · Radwaste Magazine

OSTI ID:539100

Chacey, K A; Zeitoun, A; Saris, E C

A significant step was made in 1996 with the establishment of a new nuclear weapons nonproliferation policy concerning foreign research reactor spent nuclear fuel. Specifically the United States will accept over a 13-year period up to 20 tonnes of spent nuclear fuel from 41 countries. Only spent fuel containing uranium enriched in the United States is covered under this policy. Since the acceptance policy took effect on 13 May 1996, the Department of Energy has undertaken a number of steps to effectively implement the policy. An implementation strategy plan, mitigation action plan, and detailed transportation plans have been developed. Other activities include foreign research reactor assessments, and the determination of shipment priorities and schedules. The first shipment under the acceptance policy was received into the United States in September 1996. A second shipment was received from Canada in December 1996. The next shipment of foreign research reactor spent nuclear fuel is expected from Europe in early March 1997. The primary challenge for DOE is to continue to transport this material in a consistent, cost-effective manner over the 13-year duration of the program. This article covers the following topics: background; acceptance policy; implementation of the acceptance policy; next steps/closing. 6 figs.

• OSTI ID: 539100
• Journal Information: Radwaste Magazine, Journal Name: Radwaste Magazine Journal Issue: 3 Vol. 4; ISSN 1070-9541; ISSN RDMGEK
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
IMPLEMENTATION
INTERNATIONAL AGREEMENTS
RADIOACTIVE WASTE STORAGE
SPENT FUELS
TRANSPORT
USA