Euradwaste’04 – Partitioning and transmutation - Panel discussion

Transmutation and partitioningTransmutation and partitioning

Fast neutron spectrumCritical

Heterogeneous

Homogeneous

Thermal neutron spectrum

ADS

Global (all M.A.)

TRU Selective partitioning

Are nuclear systems too flexible ???Are nuclear systems too flexible ???

Euradwaste’04 – Partitioning and transmutation - Panel discussion

CriteriaCriteria

Sustainability :• Natural resources utilisation• Minimising long-lived wastes

Fissile material denaturation

Reduced inventories in final disposal

Reduced activity and radio-toxicity in final disposal

Reduced inventories in the overall fuel cycle

Reduced activity in the overall fuel cycle

Economy

Euradwaste’04 – Partitioning and transmutation - Panel discussion

EvaluationEvaluation ?

Thermal neutron spectrum Fast neutron spectrum Low level or no TRU at disposal

Uranium Thorium (1) Critical – Global

recycling

ADS – Selective partitioning

Sustainability No No Yes No

Fissile material denaturation Yes Yes Yes Yes

Reduced inventories in final disposal

Yes, if TRU recyling

Yes, if TRU recyling

Yes Yes

Reduced activity and radio-toxicity in final disposal

Yes, if TRU recyling

tbc Yes Yes

Reduced inventories in the overall fuel cycle, final disposal included

Yes Yes Yes Yes

Reduced activity in the overall fuel cycle

No tbc Yes dep. of scen

Fuel cycle constraints High (Cm, Cf, Bk)

tbc Medium High (Cm, Cf, Bk)

Time to be implemented 20 years 20 years 40 years More than 40 years

(1) : case of TRU transmutation using Thorium matrix, without implementing a thorium cycle

Geological

Disposal

Euradwaste’04 – Partitioning and transmutation - Panel discussion

Some statements

Using PWR (TRU transmutation) :• Medium term for TRU inventory reduction in reactor

but strong impact on current fuel cycle facilities (some options are ruled out)

• Use of natural U resources• Fissile material denaturation

Using ADS :• R&D needed for viability and feasibility• Not sustainable per se

Using FNR and global TRU recycling • Sustainable• 6 Gen IV systems : 4 fast neutron spectrum with global

recycling of TRU• Promising prospects for resolving new fuel cycle

issues