Implications of plutonium utilization strategies on the transition from a LWR economy to a breeder economy
The plutonium interface between the LWR and LMFBR fuel cycles is examined for typical nuclear growth projections both with and without plutonium recycle in LWRs. In order to guarantee a fuel supply for projected LMFBR growth rates, significant multiple Pu recycle in LWRs will not be possible. However, about 78% of the benefit of multiple plutonium recycle between now and the turn of the century is realized by one recycle and then stockpiling spent MOX for the LMFBR. LMFBR reprocessing schecules are estimated based on accumulation of reprocessing load. These schedules are used to estimate the amount of plutonium recovered from LMFBR fuels and determine the residual LWR plutonium required to meet LMFBR demand. The stockpile of LWR produced plutonium in spent MOX is sufficient to fuel the LMFBR until commercial LMFBR reprocessing can be justified. After that time, recycle of plutonium in LWRs will be significantly limited by a continuing LMFBR demand for LWR plutonium due to the projected high LMFBR growth rate. LWR reprocessing requirements are estimated for the assumed condition that LWR plutonium recycle is not approved, but the LMFBR is still pursued as an energy option. The uncertainties presented by this condition are addressed qualitatively. However, in our judgment these uncertainties in the plutonium market would likely delay LMFBR growth to levels significantly below current projections.
- Research Organization:
- Battelle Pacific Northwest Labs., Richland, WA (USA)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE
- DOE Contract Number:
- EY-76-C-06-1830
- OSTI ID:
- 7310609
- Report Number(s):
- BNWL-SA-6017; CONF-770554-2
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
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ACTINIDES
BREEDER REACTORS
BWR TYPE REACTORS
ELEMENTS
EPITHERMAL REACTORS
FAST REACTORS
FBR TYPE REACTORS
FUEL CYCLE
LIQUID METAL COOLED REACTORS
LMFBR TYPE REACTORS
METALS
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PLUTONIUM
PLUTONIUM RECYCLE
PWR TYPE REACTORS
REACTORS
TRANSURANIUM ELEMENTS
WATER COOLED REACTORS
WATER MODERATED REACTORS