Fuel Cycle of Large-Scale Nuclear Energy (Brest-1200) with Non-Proliferation of Plutonium and Equivalent Disposal of Radioactive Waste

Abstract

The significant growth of global fuel and the energy demand expected in the 21^st century will most likely be accompanied by the depletion of cheap hydrocarbons and a threatening increase in emissions resulting from fossil fuel combustion.

The most realistic solution to the energy problems is offered by large-scale nuclear power capable of taking in a significant portion of the growing fuel demand. A serious expansion of nuclear sources—by an order of magnitude compared to the current level—can be achieved only around fast reactors in a closed fuel cycle. Large plutonium stockpiles, accumulated in the first stage of nuclear power development, dictate the use of fast reactors with uranium-plutonium fuel. Such reactors have advantages over other reactor types and the thorium-uranium cycle.

The geography and scale of the energy supply anticipated in the next century impose new requirements on nuclear reactors and closed fuel cycle technology, in particular the following:

• Full Pu reproduction in the core with a breeding ratio (BR)~1. The slow-down in the expected rate of capacity growth and the large amounts of plutonium accumulated in the first stage of nuclear power development eliminate the need for quick doubling of plutonium. This allows the use of reactors with BR~1 and moderate power density in the core.

• The natural safety of reactors and prevention of the most dangerous accidents such as prompt runaway, loss of coolant, fire, steam and hydrogen explosions, which lead to fuel failure and catastrophic release of radioactivity.

• Lower radiation risk from radioactive waste (RW) due to the transmutation of the most hazardous long-lived actinides and fission products (FPs) in reactors, and the thorough treatment of RW to remove these elements. A balance must be provided between the activity of RW put to final disposal and that of uranium extracted from earth.

• Facilities of a closed fuel cycle should not be suitable for Pu extraction from spent fuel for the purpose of its further use for weapons production. Fuel should be physically protected against theft (non-proliferation).

• Fast reactors should be cheaper than existing light-water reactors (LWRs) to make them competitive with fossils and gas in most countries and regions.