A Study of the Future of Spent Nuclear Fuel: A Comprehensive Look at Technologies Regarding the Processes of Nuclear Wastes Treatment
69 Pages Posted: 26 Apr 2014
Date Written: April 11, 2014
Abstract
Spent nuclear fuel has been around for over 50 years in the United States, with no clear solution on what should be done with it in the most sustainable manner. Because of spent nuclear fuel’s requirement for long term storage (many thousands of years), heat generation, lack of sufficient data for storage locations, as well as opposition from public opinion, there is no permanent storage location for this waste in this country as of yet. Currently, the U.S. stores commercial spent nuclear fuel on site with plans to eventually permanently store this waste instead of harnessing the available energy still within the spent fuel. Considering all the technical aspects of treating commercial spent nuclear fuel, this report will discuss different possible ways to manage nuclear wastes which will allow the U.S. to harness its remaining energy while minimizing its hazardous characteristics.
Keywords: Nuclear Wastes, Nuclear Fuel, Spent Nuclear Fuel, Nuclear Wastes Treatment, Future Nuclear Fuel Cycle
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