The United States has pursued various policies regarding nuclear fuel reprocessing since World War II. Originally developed as part of the Manhattan Project, reprocessing was seen as essential for producing nuclear fuel in the early commercial nuclear power era. However, commercial reprocessing attempts encountered technical, economic, and regulatory issues. President Carter halted federal support for reprocessing in 1977 due to proliferation concerns. The Department of Energy now proposes new proliferation-resistant reprocessing technologies as part of initiatives like the Global Nuclear Energy Partnership.
This document discusses nuclear fuel reprocessing. It provides background on nuclear power and the nuclear fuel cycle. The key stages of the fuel cycle are described, including the front end involving mining and enrichment, use in reactors, and the back end involving spent fuel storage, transportation, and potential reprocessing or disposal. The document focuses on reprocessing methods like PUREX and alternatives like UREX that aim to extract uranium and transuranics from spent nuclear fuel for reuse or disposal.
Reprocessing and recycling nuclear waste has several benefits: it reduces the volume of waste, extends the safe storage time of waste from millions of years to hundreds of years, and extracts usable material from the waste to generate additional energy. While reprocessing can produce weapons-grade plutonium, newer proliferation-resistant methods like pyroprocessing are being developed. The document recommends funding research into cost-effective reprocessing methods and beginning construction of a reprocessing facility within the next 10 years along with a mixed-oxide fuel fabrication plant and pebble bed fast neutron reactor to fully realize the benefits of reprocessing nuclear waste.
1) After nuclear disasters like Fukushima, protesters raise concerns about nuclear waste, but nuclear programs argue that waste can be recycled or separated.
2) Only 2-3% of spent nuclear fuel is actual waste - the rest can be recycled. Waste can also be separated into parts that will lose radioactivity within 300 years and parts that remain radioactive longer.
3) India is developing processes to separate these waste types, with a pilot plant to be operational next year in Mumbai, followed by demonstration and commercial plants.
This document discusses proposals for disposing of nuclear waste in space. It outlines two types of nuclear waste disposal: terrestrial and space disposal. Space disposal would involve processing nuclear waste into a cermet form and launching it into space using various propulsion methods. The document discusses the technical requirements and processes for fabricating nuclear waste payloads, transporting them to launch sites, and carrying out launch operations. However, it also notes that space disposal faces political, social, and risk-related challenges.
Brief overview of unique new method for storing vitrified high-level nuclear or other radioactive waste with no re-usable components at extreme depths within the Earth's crust. This new technology provides maximum isolation from the Earth's ecosphere, while preserving the ability to indefinitely monitor the waste storage zone and retrieve stored canisters if necessary in the future.
RADIOACTIVE WASTE DISPOSAL IN SOUTH AFRICA IN 2015 STATUS AND RESEARCH AND DE...Alan Carolissen
The document summarizes the status of radioactive waste disposal in South Africa in 2015. It discusses the main sources of radioactive waste in the country, the facilities where waste is currently stored, and research being conducted at the Vaalputs disposal site. A key focus is the selection of a site at Vaalputs for borehole disposal of disused radioactive sources. Research at Vaalputs aims to strengthen the scientific database and contribute to the safety case for current and future waste disposal at the facility.
This document discusses nuclear waste management. It describes the different categories of nuclear waste, including high-level waste, transuranic waste, and low-level waste. It also discusses storage and disposal methods, focusing on deep geologic disposal. Deep geologic disposal aims to isolate nuclear waste deep underground in suitable rock formations like granite, salt, or clay to prevent radioactivity from escaping. The document provides examples of nuclear waste disposal facilities around the world, including Yucca Mountain in the US which is designed but currently not operating.
Radioactive wastes and their management
Early radioactive waste disposal approaches
Lessons learned form early disposal practices
Recent approaches for safe radioactive waste disposal
This document discusses nuclear fuel reprocessing. It provides background on nuclear power and the nuclear fuel cycle. The key stages of the fuel cycle are described, including the front end involving mining and enrichment, use in reactors, and the back end involving spent fuel storage, transportation, and potential reprocessing or disposal. The document focuses on reprocessing methods like PUREX and alternatives like UREX that aim to extract uranium and transuranics from spent nuclear fuel for reuse or disposal.
Reprocessing and recycling nuclear waste has several benefits: it reduces the volume of waste, extends the safe storage time of waste from millions of years to hundreds of years, and extracts usable material from the waste to generate additional energy. While reprocessing can produce weapons-grade plutonium, newer proliferation-resistant methods like pyroprocessing are being developed. The document recommends funding research into cost-effective reprocessing methods and beginning construction of a reprocessing facility within the next 10 years along with a mixed-oxide fuel fabrication plant and pebble bed fast neutron reactor to fully realize the benefits of reprocessing nuclear waste.
1) After nuclear disasters like Fukushima, protesters raise concerns about nuclear waste, but nuclear programs argue that waste can be recycled or separated.
2) Only 2-3% of spent nuclear fuel is actual waste - the rest can be recycled. Waste can also be separated into parts that will lose radioactivity within 300 years and parts that remain radioactive longer.
3) India is developing processes to separate these waste types, with a pilot plant to be operational next year in Mumbai, followed by demonstration and commercial plants.
This document discusses proposals for disposing of nuclear waste in space. It outlines two types of nuclear waste disposal: terrestrial and space disposal. Space disposal would involve processing nuclear waste into a cermet form and launching it into space using various propulsion methods. The document discusses the technical requirements and processes for fabricating nuclear waste payloads, transporting them to launch sites, and carrying out launch operations. However, it also notes that space disposal faces political, social, and risk-related challenges.
Brief overview of unique new method for storing vitrified high-level nuclear or other radioactive waste with no re-usable components at extreme depths within the Earth's crust. This new technology provides maximum isolation from the Earth's ecosphere, while preserving the ability to indefinitely monitor the waste storage zone and retrieve stored canisters if necessary in the future.
RADIOACTIVE WASTE DISPOSAL IN SOUTH AFRICA IN 2015 STATUS AND RESEARCH AND DE...Alan Carolissen
The document summarizes the status of radioactive waste disposal in South Africa in 2015. It discusses the main sources of radioactive waste in the country, the facilities where waste is currently stored, and research being conducted at the Vaalputs disposal site. A key focus is the selection of a site at Vaalputs for borehole disposal of disused radioactive sources. Research at Vaalputs aims to strengthen the scientific database and contribute to the safety case for current and future waste disposal at the facility.
This document discusses nuclear waste management. It describes the different categories of nuclear waste, including high-level waste, transuranic waste, and low-level waste. It also discusses storage and disposal methods, focusing on deep geologic disposal. Deep geologic disposal aims to isolate nuclear waste deep underground in suitable rock formations like granite, salt, or clay to prevent radioactivity from escaping. The document provides examples of nuclear waste disposal facilities around the world, including Yucca Mountain in the US which is designed but currently not operating.
Radioactive wastes and their management
Early radioactive waste disposal approaches
Lessons learned form early disposal practices
Recent approaches for safe radioactive waste disposal
Chernobyl disaster and Radioactive waste Dheeraj Gava
This presentation includes the basic information about radioactive waste and its types. it also includes the a brief information on Chernobyl disaster.
New microsoft office power point presentationRenjini2014
Nuclear waste is classified into three categories based on radioactivity levels: low-level, intermediate-level, and high-level radioactive waste. High-level radioactive waste is the most dangerous and accounts for over 95% of the total radioactivity from nuclear power generation. Governments are considering long-term management and disposal options for nuclear waste, such as deep borehole disposal and vitrification, but many solutions have not been implemented due to technical and social challenges. Proper treatment and isolation of nuclear waste is crucial to prevent interaction with the biosphere.
This document discusses various methods for disposing of radioactive waste from nuclear power plants. It describes common waste disposal techniques like decay in storage, vitrification, geological disposal in deep underground repositories, and reprocessing waste materials. The document concludes that proper disposal of nuclear waste remains a challenge and that most waste is currently stored using steel cylinders or placed in deep geologic formations to isolate it from the biosphere.
The Tokai-Mura criticality accident occurred at a nuclear fuel processing plant in Japan in 1999. Workers were preparing a batch of enriched uranium solution when an uncontrolled nuclear chain reaction began, exposing workers and releasing radiation. Two workers died from radiation exposure and over 600 people received doses exceeding an annual public limit. The accident highlighted issues with training and oversight at smaller nuclear facilities outside the mainstream fuel cycle.
The document discusses different types and classifications of nuclear waste. It states that nuclear waste is categorized into low, intermediate, and high-level waste based on radioactivity levels. Low-level waste makes up 90% of the total volume but only a small amount of radioactivity. Intermediate waste requires shielding and makes up 7% of the total. High-level waste is very radioactive, makes up 3% of the total volume but 95% of the total radioactivity. The document then provides details on the characteristics and management approaches for each classification.
The above presentation describes the history,source,danger and effects,classification, and storage and disposal methods of radioactive waste. It also states the advantages and disadvantages of nuclear and radioactive waste
The radioactive wastes retain their radioactivity and emit radiations which are harmful for the environment and its occupants. So they are to be handled and disposed carefully(i.e) isolating it from the environment.
This document discusses nuclear waste disposal and procedures for removing radioactive waste. It describes the three categories of nuclear waste - high, intermediate, and low-level waste - and explains that high-level waste produces 95% of radiation. Procedures for disposal include deep geological disposal of high-level waste and surface or near-surface disposal of intermediate and low-level waste. The document also discusses new methods for removing radioactivity, such as the Notre Dame Thorium Borate-1 compound and sulfide sponges. Effectiveness of disposal procedures depends on continued development of faster and more effective radioactive waste removal techniques.
Nuclear waste disposal and its geological importanceParth Pandya
The document discusses nuclear waste disposal and its geological importance. It describes the different types of nuclear waste - high, intermediate, and low level waste. It explains how waste is produced and stored. The key disposal methods discussed are deep geological disposal for high level waste, near-surface disposal for low level waste, and sulfide sponge and Notre Dame Thorium Borate-1 which can remove radionuclides like strontium-90 and technetium from nuclear waste. Ocean dumping was also mentioned but is now banned in most countries.
The document discusses a new material discovered by researchers at Northwestern University that can effectively filter radioactive cesium-137 from nuclear waste water. The material, containing sulfur, gallium and antimony, allows sodium and water molecules to pass through while sequestering 100% of the cesium-137. This discovery could lead to a new class of materials for filtering specific radioactive isotopes from nuclear waste in a more efficient manner.
Non-renewable energy sources like fossil fuels and nuclear energy are limited in supply and get depleted through use. Fossil fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas were formed from ancient living organisms and release heat energy when burned, while nuclear fuels like uranium and plutonium produce heat through nuclear fission. Both processes use the heat to generate electricity but have disadvantages like greenhouse gas or radioactive waste emissions. The 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill in Alaska contaminated over 1,300 miles of coastline and significantly harmed the fishing and tourism industries as well as many animal populations for years. It highlighted the need for improved oil transportation safety measures.
This document discusses radioactive waste management policies, strategies, and waste plans. It begins by defining policy as established goals for safe waste management, and strategy as the processes for achieving those policy goals. It then discusses how policies address safety objectives and principles. National policies are formulated based on international obligations, national circumstances, and legislation. Strategies are developed by assessing the current waste situation, defining long-term management endpoints, selecting options, and considering implementation requirements. Waste management plans involve identifying all waste streams and appropriate processing and disposal options, then evaluating and selecting options through a systematic, stakeholder-involved process.
This document provides an overview of Marcellus Shale drilling in Pennsylvania and discusses environmental and public health concerns associated with the process. It notes that 64% of PA underlies the Marcellus Shale formation and outlines concerns such as chemical and wastewater leaks threatening drinking water, air pollution, excessive water use, and impacts to public lands. It proposes actions citizens can take to strengthen regulations around water use, chemical disclosure, buffer zones, and ensuring industry pays for damages.
The glg slide deck as 1700 edt monday 2 may 2011 tdrolet
The document summarizes the early development of nuclear power, including key events like the first nuclear chain reaction in 1942 and the world's first nuclear power plant in 1957. It then discusses the growth of nuclear power in the 1960s-70s, challenges in the late 1970s after Three Mile Island, and renewed interest in nuclear power since the 1990s due to concerns over energy supply, climate change and peak oil. The document advocates for developing safer nuclear technologies like Gen 3+ reactors to help meet the world's increasing clean energy needs.
Réflexions sur le secteur nucléaire américainGuillaume Vaast
- The document discusses nuclear power in the United States, including its role in electricity production, the types of reactors currently operating, safety and production levels. It also covers license renewals allowing reactors to operate for 60 years, power uprates, and post-Fukushima safety improvements. The organization of the US nuclear industry and regulating body NRC is described. Challenges like low natural gas prices leading to some reactor shutdowns are mentioned. The document concludes with perspectives on nuclear waste storage and the recommendations of the Blue Ribbon Commission.
Nuclear power provides both benefits and risks. It can generate electricity and power while also posing dangers if misused. The document discusses the history of nuclear power development in several countries. It led to conflicts between nations developing nuclear weapons during the Cold War and other incidents like the Iran-Iraq war. Both advantages like clean energy production and disadvantages like radioactive waste are examined.
In this chapter we will have introduction about Nuclear Power Station
The generation of electricity through nuclear energy reduces the amount of energy generated from fossil fuels (coal and oil). Less use of fossil fuels means lowering greenhouse gas emissions (CO2 and others).
This document discusses various topics related to nuclear energy law and policy. It begins by outlining the agenda and then discusses the primary legal structures governing nuclear regulation in the US, including the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. It also discusses the international regulatory framework and functions of the NRC. Key issues addressed include nuclear licensing processes, resource selection, nonproliferation concerns, the proposed Yucca Mountain waste repository, and the quality of nuclear regulation. The document also provides an overview of India's energy sector and the country's nuclear scenario.
The document discusses the establishment of Yucca Mountain in Nevada as the site for permanent storage of nuclear waste in the United States. It describes how the Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982 designated the Department of Energy to study suitable dump sites. Yucca Mountain was selected in 2002 after extensive geological studies. However, some object to the site due to concerns about earthquakes, volcanic activity and potential groundwater contamination over the next 10,000 years. Seismologists continue monitoring the area to ensure seismic activity levels remain stable.
Chernobyl disaster and Radioactive waste Dheeraj Gava
This presentation includes the basic information about radioactive waste and its types. it also includes the a brief information on Chernobyl disaster.
New microsoft office power point presentationRenjini2014
Nuclear waste is classified into three categories based on radioactivity levels: low-level, intermediate-level, and high-level radioactive waste. High-level radioactive waste is the most dangerous and accounts for over 95% of the total radioactivity from nuclear power generation. Governments are considering long-term management and disposal options for nuclear waste, such as deep borehole disposal and vitrification, but many solutions have not been implemented due to technical and social challenges. Proper treatment and isolation of nuclear waste is crucial to prevent interaction with the biosphere.
This document discusses various methods for disposing of radioactive waste from nuclear power plants. It describes common waste disposal techniques like decay in storage, vitrification, geological disposal in deep underground repositories, and reprocessing waste materials. The document concludes that proper disposal of nuclear waste remains a challenge and that most waste is currently stored using steel cylinders or placed in deep geologic formations to isolate it from the biosphere.
The Tokai-Mura criticality accident occurred at a nuclear fuel processing plant in Japan in 1999. Workers were preparing a batch of enriched uranium solution when an uncontrolled nuclear chain reaction began, exposing workers and releasing radiation. Two workers died from radiation exposure and over 600 people received doses exceeding an annual public limit. The accident highlighted issues with training and oversight at smaller nuclear facilities outside the mainstream fuel cycle.
The document discusses different types and classifications of nuclear waste. It states that nuclear waste is categorized into low, intermediate, and high-level waste based on radioactivity levels. Low-level waste makes up 90% of the total volume but only a small amount of radioactivity. Intermediate waste requires shielding and makes up 7% of the total. High-level waste is very radioactive, makes up 3% of the total volume but 95% of the total radioactivity. The document then provides details on the characteristics and management approaches for each classification.
The above presentation describes the history,source,danger and effects,classification, and storage and disposal methods of radioactive waste. It also states the advantages and disadvantages of nuclear and radioactive waste
The radioactive wastes retain their radioactivity and emit radiations which are harmful for the environment and its occupants. So they are to be handled and disposed carefully(i.e) isolating it from the environment.
This document discusses nuclear waste disposal and procedures for removing radioactive waste. It describes the three categories of nuclear waste - high, intermediate, and low-level waste - and explains that high-level waste produces 95% of radiation. Procedures for disposal include deep geological disposal of high-level waste and surface or near-surface disposal of intermediate and low-level waste. The document also discusses new methods for removing radioactivity, such as the Notre Dame Thorium Borate-1 compound and sulfide sponges. Effectiveness of disposal procedures depends on continued development of faster and more effective radioactive waste removal techniques.
Nuclear waste disposal and its geological importanceParth Pandya
The document discusses nuclear waste disposal and its geological importance. It describes the different types of nuclear waste - high, intermediate, and low level waste. It explains how waste is produced and stored. The key disposal methods discussed are deep geological disposal for high level waste, near-surface disposal for low level waste, and sulfide sponge and Notre Dame Thorium Borate-1 which can remove radionuclides like strontium-90 and technetium from nuclear waste. Ocean dumping was also mentioned but is now banned in most countries.
The document discusses a new material discovered by researchers at Northwestern University that can effectively filter radioactive cesium-137 from nuclear waste water. The material, containing sulfur, gallium and antimony, allows sodium and water molecules to pass through while sequestering 100% of the cesium-137. This discovery could lead to a new class of materials for filtering specific radioactive isotopes from nuclear waste in a more efficient manner.
Non-renewable energy sources like fossil fuels and nuclear energy are limited in supply and get depleted through use. Fossil fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas were formed from ancient living organisms and release heat energy when burned, while nuclear fuels like uranium and plutonium produce heat through nuclear fission. Both processes use the heat to generate electricity but have disadvantages like greenhouse gas or radioactive waste emissions. The 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill in Alaska contaminated over 1,300 miles of coastline and significantly harmed the fishing and tourism industries as well as many animal populations for years. It highlighted the need for improved oil transportation safety measures.
This document discusses radioactive waste management policies, strategies, and waste plans. It begins by defining policy as established goals for safe waste management, and strategy as the processes for achieving those policy goals. It then discusses how policies address safety objectives and principles. National policies are formulated based on international obligations, national circumstances, and legislation. Strategies are developed by assessing the current waste situation, defining long-term management endpoints, selecting options, and considering implementation requirements. Waste management plans involve identifying all waste streams and appropriate processing and disposal options, then evaluating and selecting options through a systematic, stakeholder-involved process.
This document provides an overview of Marcellus Shale drilling in Pennsylvania and discusses environmental and public health concerns associated with the process. It notes that 64% of PA underlies the Marcellus Shale formation and outlines concerns such as chemical and wastewater leaks threatening drinking water, air pollution, excessive water use, and impacts to public lands. It proposes actions citizens can take to strengthen regulations around water use, chemical disclosure, buffer zones, and ensuring industry pays for damages.
The glg slide deck as 1700 edt monday 2 may 2011 tdrolet
The document summarizes the early development of nuclear power, including key events like the first nuclear chain reaction in 1942 and the world's first nuclear power plant in 1957. It then discusses the growth of nuclear power in the 1960s-70s, challenges in the late 1970s after Three Mile Island, and renewed interest in nuclear power since the 1990s due to concerns over energy supply, climate change and peak oil. The document advocates for developing safer nuclear technologies like Gen 3+ reactors to help meet the world's increasing clean energy needs.
Réflexions sur le secteur nucléaire américainGuillaume Vaast
- The document discusses nuclear power in the United States, including its role in electricity production, the types of reactors currently operating, safety and production levels. It also covers license renewals allowing reactors to operate for 60 years, power uprates, and post-Fukushima safety improvements. The organization of the US nuclear industry and regulating body NRC is described. Challenges like low natural gas prices leading to some reactor shutdowns are mentioned. The document concludes with perspectives on nuclear waste storage and the recommendations of the Blue Ribbon Commission.
Nuclear power provides both benefits and risks. It can generate electricity and power while also posing dangers if misused. The document discusses the history of nuclear power development in several countries. It led to conflicts between nations developing nuclear weapons during the Cold War and other incidents like the Iran-Iraq war. Both advantages like clean energy production and disadvantages like radioactive waste are examined.
In this chapter we will have introduction about Nuclear Power Station
The generation of electricity through nuclear energy reduces the amount of energy generated from fossil fuels (coal and oil). Less use of fossil fuels means lowering greenhouse gas emissions (CO2 and others).
This document discusses various topics related to nuclear energy law and policy. It begins by outlining the agenda and then discusses the primary legal structures governing nuclear regulation in the US, including the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. It also discusses the international regulatory framework and functions of the NRC. Key issues addressed include nuclear licensing processes, resource selection, nonproliferation concerns, the proposed Yucca Mountain waste repository, and the quality of nuclear regulation. The document also provides an overview of India's energy sector and the country's nuclear scenario.
The document discusses the establishment of Yucca Mountain in Nevada as the site for permanent storage of nuclear waste in the United States. It describes how the Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982 designated the Department of Energy to study suitable dump sites. Yucca Mountain was selected in 2002 after extensive geological studies. However, some object to the site due to concerns about earthquakes, volcanic activity and potential groundwater contamination over the next 10,000 years. Seismologists continue monitoring the area to ensure seismic activity levels remain stable.
CIB TG66 North America Webinar 2010-10-12 2 Darren B MeyersINIVE EEIG
The North American session of the international webinar series,"THE IMPLEMENTATION OF ENERGY EFFICIENT BUILDINGS POLICIES IN 5 CONTINENTS" was held on October 12, 2010 9:00 am, Eastern Daylight Time (New York, GMT-04:00).
The agenda for the free 2-hour webinar was:
· North America: Public and Private Measures for Fostering the Adaptation of Green Building Practices, Jonathan Westeinde, Chair, Green Building Advisory Group, North American Commission for Environmental Cooperation
· United States: Country Report on Building Energy Codes & Standards Regulation in the United States, Darren B. Meyers, Technical Director, Energy Programs, International Code Council
· Canada: Canadian Energy Efficient Building Policies, James Clark, Buildings Division, Office of Energy Efficiency, Natural Resources Canada
· Mexico: Toward Energy Efficiency in Housing in Mexico, Evangelina Hirata, Consultant on Energy Efficiency in Housing
· United States: Beyond the Code -- Energy, Carbon, and Cost Savings using Conventional Building Technologies, Joshua Kneifel, Economist, National Institute of Standards and Technology
The document discusses the growing global nuclear power industry and factors driving its resurgence, known as the "Nuclear Renaissance". It outlines factors like improved safety, environmental benefits, fuel diversity/cost advantages, and growing public support. The document also discusses GE's investments in new nuclear plant designs and fuel enrichment technology to address the industry's needs. Plant reliability and nuclear instrumentation/control challenges are also mentioned.
09 0214 NO To BNPP Bataan Dr. Kelvin Rodolfogtapang
The document discusses several risks and issues associated with nuclear power and reopening the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant (BNPP) in the Philippines. It notes that BNPP is located on an active volcano, Mount Natib, which last erupted 11,000-18,000 years ago. It also discusses the seismic risks, with faulting occurring as recently as 3,000 years ago. The document questions claims that reopening BNPP would only cost $800 million and take 5 years, as the plant would need extensive modernization and safety assessments given its age.
This document discusses nuclear power and nuclear reactions. It begins by outlining the motivation for nuclear energy as a low-carbon alternative for electricity generation. It then describes the basic concepts of nuclear fission and fusion reactions, including how mass is converted to energy. Nuclear reactors are introduced as devices that use controlled fission chain reactions to generate heat for power production. The document outlines the nuclear fuel cycle and different generations of nuclear reactor designs. It also discusses challenges with nuclear power such as costs, safety, proliferation, and waste storage and disposal.
Nuclear Energy: Solution to Climate Change or Dangerous Distraction?Shahla Werner
The document discusses issues related to nuclear energy as a solution to climate change. It summarizes Sierra Club's position opposing new nuclear reactors until adequate policies are in place to curb energy overuse and growth. It also notes concerns about nuclear waste storage, mining and enrichment risks, aging reactors, and accidents like Chernobyl and Fukushima.
This document summarizes the history of contamination at Picatinny Arsenal in New Jersey and remediation efforts under CERCLA. Weapons manufacturing at Picatinny Arsenal since the 1800s has led to groundwater, surface water, soil, and air contamination. The EPA placed the site on the Superfund National Priorities List in 1990 due to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and metals exceeding standards. Initial site investigations identified TCE and chromium VI contamination requiring remediation. The federal government and Department of Defense have funded ongoing cleanup through monitoring, excavating contaminated soil, and implementing land use controls to prevent exposure.
This document discusses various aspects of energy infrastructure planning, including electricity generation, transmission, distribution; petroleum pipelines and storage; and relevant legislation. It provides schematics of electricity and petroleum infrastructure networks. It also discusses the deregulation of the electricity industry in the 1990s, the roles of public and private utilities, and issues around nuclear waste storage. Key events that shaped energy policy and markets are summarized such as the 2005 Energy Policy Act and California's renewable energy initiatives.
This document discusses various aspects of energy infrastructure planning, including electricity generation, transmission, distribution; petroleum pipelines and storage; and relevant legislation. It provides schematics of electricity and petroleum infrastructure networks. It also discusses the deregulation of the electricity industry in the 1990s, the roles of public and private utilities, and issues around nuclear waste storage. Key events that shaped energy policy and markets are summarized such as the 2005 Energy Policy Act and California's renewable energy initiatives.
Decommissioning Renaissance HPS News vol43no06 June 2015Eric Abelquist
This document discusses the growing trend of nuclear plant decommissioning internationally and in the United States. While the predicted nuclear renaissance did not come to fruition, decommissioning is experiencing its own renaissance as many aging nuclear plants reach the end of their lifespans. Market forces like cheap natural gas and slack demand are driving early retirements in the US. Internationally, Germany is phasing out nuclear power entirely and Japan is focusing on decommissioning Fukushima. Over 200 nuclear reactors worldwide are expected to be decommissioned by 2040 at a cost of over $100 billion. Decommissioning is poised for significant growth as the number of retired plants increases.
The development of clean, affordable nuclear power options is a key element of the Department of Energy’s Office of Nuclear Energy (DOE-NE) Nuclear Energy Research and Development Roadmap. As a part of this strategy, a high priority of the Department has been to help accelerate the timelines for the commercialization and deployment of small modular reactor (SMR) technologies through the SMR Licensing Technical Support program. Begun in FY12, the DOE Office of Nuclear Energy’s Small Modular Reactor Licensing Technical Support program will advance the certification and licensing of domestic SMR designs that are relatively mature and can be deployed in the next decade.
More information : http://www.sfen.org/
1. Nuclear safeguards refers to the system of legal, institutional, and technical mechanisms used to control nuclear materials and detect misuse. This includes nuclear material accounting, physical protection systems, and measurement technologies.
2. Early efforts at nuclear control began after WWII and focused on international control regimes. The IAEA was established in 1957 to promote peaceful nuclear technology while safeguarding against proliferation.
3. The NPT in 1970 required non-nuclear states to place all peaceful nuclear programs under IAEA safeguards, marking a milestone in formalizing safeguards. Since then safeguards technology and policies have continued evolving in response to proliferation threats.
Is nuclear energy solution to our power problems ?Harsh Gupta
Nuclear energy originates from splitting uranium atoms through fission. At nuclear power plants, fission is used to generate heat and produce steam to power turbines and generate electricity. Construction costs for plants are very high but operating costs have decreased over time. Nuclear power produces radioactive waste that remains dangerous for hundreds of thousands of years, and accidents like Chernobyl show the risks of contamination. There are also concerns about nuclear materials being used for weapons.
This presentation is part of Renewable Energy Technologies course 2020
Faculty of Engineering - Benha University
By
Prof. Ghada Amer
Category
Science & Technology
Category
Science & Technology
Category
Science & Technology
The document discusses the benefits of exercise for mental health. Regular physical activity can help reduce anxiety and depression and improve mood and cognitive function. Exercise causes chemical changes in the brain that may help protect against mental illness and improve symptoms.
North America is experiencing increased crude oil production, primarily from Canadian oil sands and U.S. shale oil fields. This has challenged existing pipeline infrastructure, leading more producers to use rail as a flexible alternative to transport crude oil to domestic markets. While rail has benefits, the large increase in oil-by-rail shipments has raised safety concerns following several accidents, including a 2013 disaster in Quebec. Issues for Congress include evaluating proposed regulatory changes to improve rail safety for oil transport and balancing rail versus other transportation methods like pipelines or barges.
R43682 Smal Refineries and Oilfield ProcessorsAnthony Andrews
This document discusses opportunities and challenges for small refineries and oil field processors in the United States. It notes that while no new refinery has been built since 1977, existing refineries have expanded capacity by 23% to keep up with demand. Rising domestic crude oil production from light-sweet sources has created opportunities for new or expanded small refineries, especially in the mid-continent region. However, small refineries face economic disadvantages from lack of scale compared to large refineries, and regulatory barriers around environmental permitting and fuel standards also present challenges to new construction or operations.
This document from the Congressional Research Service provides background information on unconventional gas shale resources in the United States, with a focus on the Barnett and Marcellus Shale formations. It discusses the natural gas resource potential, development technologies such as drilling and hydraulic fracturing, leasing and regulatory issues, and environmental concerns related to water usage and potential impacts. The document contains technical descriptions to help Congress understand the issues associated with gas shale development.
The Value of Fugitive Methane Emissions From Oil & Gas SectorsAnthony Andrews
This document summarizes methane emissions from the oil, gas, and coal sectors in the United States. It finds that these sectors contributed approximately 38% of total US methane emissions in 2012, with the natural gas and petroleum systems accounting for 28.5% and coal mining accounting for 9.8%. Methane is emitted during extraction and processing activities across these industries. While methane emissions have declined overall since 1990 due to regulatory efforts and technology improvements, emissions are rising again with increased production from shale gas and tight oil. The document reviews emission sources, trends, measurement challenges, mitigation technologies, and policies aimed at reducing fugitive methane emissions from these energy industries.
DOD Purchase of Renewable Energy Credits Under the National Defense Authoriza...Anthony Andrews
The document discusses the Department of Defense's (DOD) electricity usage and the National Defense Authorization Act's directive for DOD to purchase renewable energy certificates (RECs) in bulk. It provides background on federal renewable energy policies and requirements. DOD consumed around 24,765 thousand megawatt-hours of electric power in 2010. The document estimates DOD's state-by-state electricity demand and discusses how REC purchases could help DOD meet renewable energy goals, though some argue REC purchases without associated power do not contribute to energy security.
The document is a memorandum analyzing Section 526 of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, which requires that alternative fuels purchased by federal agencies have equal or lower lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions than conventional fuels. It discusses challenges in implementing the provision due to undefined terms, provides background on fuels and standards, and explains that conventional fuels today involve complex synthesis processes and that alternative fuels could eventually be defined as conventional. It concludes that Section 526 could be interpreted to either expand or restrict federal fuel acquisition depending on the definitions used.
This document provides background on liquid fuels synthesized from coal, natural gas, and biomass. It discusses the technology used, including direct and indirect conversion processes. Specifically, it focuses on Fischer-Tropsch synthesis, the currently favored method. It describes past and present synthetic fuel plants around the world and compares their efficiencies. Finally, it discusses the policy history around synthetic fuels in the US and considerations facing policymakers.
This document summarizes the Congressional Research Service report on the Strategic Petroleum Reserve. It discusses the authorization and operation of the SPR, including its creation in 1975 in response to the Arab oil embargo. The SPR aims to reduce the economic impact of supply disruptions by storing 90 days worth of oil imports. It is managed by the Department of Energy and can release 4.4 million barrels per day. The report provides details on SPR sites, capacities, past releases, and policy considerations regarding the reserve.
The Congressional Research Service report discusses energy savings performance contracts (ESPCs), which allow federal agencies to contract with private companies to finance energy efficiency upgrades to facilities. ESPCs have helped meet federal energy reduction goals by allowing contractors to install upgrades and recoup costs from the resulting energy savings. Over 340 ESPCs have been awarded totaling $1.6 billion in private investments. However, ESPC authorization expired in 2003 and Congress is debating whether and how to reauthorize the program. Options include taking no action, extending the authorization, or extending it with amendments like shorter contract lengths.
The document discusses petroleum coke (petcoke), a solid carbon material and byproduct of oil refining. Nearly half of U.S. refineries produce petcoke using coking processes to upgrade heavy crude oil. While petcoke has some economic value as fuel, concerns have been raised about potential health impacts from fugitive dust and combustion emissions, as well as environmental impacts. The EPA has found petcoke to generally have low toxicity, though inhalation of dust can cause respiratory issues. Regulation of petcoke is currently done mostly at the state and local level.
The document provides background on the changing U.S. oil refining industry. It discusses that while the number of refineries has declined to 124 from 158 a decade ago, overall refining capacity has increased. It also notes that refiners now face potentially long-term decreased demand for refined products due to policies promoting renewable fuels and increased vehicle efficiency. The outlook for the industry has shifted from expansion to concerns over possible overcapacity.
The document discusses the history, incentives, and policy considerations around oil shale development in the United States. It notes that the largest oil shale resources are located in Colorado, Utah, and Wyoming, containing an estimated 1.8 trillion barrels of oil. However, oil shale has not proven economically recoverable. The document outlines the geology of oil shale and different production technologies. It discusses past federal efforts to develop oil shale as well as incentives and barriers to development, such as high costs, competing with imported oil, and regulatory issues.
The document discusses radioactive waste classification for disposal. It outlines the main types of radioactive waste which are classified based on their origin, including spent nuclear fuel, high-level waste, transuranic waste, and low-level waste. Congress has shown renewed interest in waste classification policies as definitions and disposal approaches remain ongoing issues. Measurement units and health effects of radiation are also summarized.
The Secretaries of Energy, Agriculture, and the Navy entered an MOU to develop a sustainable commercial biofuels industry by constructing multiple biofuel plants. The Navy aims to deploy a "Green Strike Group" by 2012 and a "Great Green Fleet" by 2016 partially fueled by biofuels. The Navy proposes using DPA authority to develop domestic biofuel capacity. Energy requested DPA funds in its FY2013 budget to support the MOU's technical expertise in scaling biofuel projects. Agriculture, Energy, and the Navy committed $510 million over three years for this initiative.
The federal government is the largest consumer of electricity in the US, purchasing over 57 million megawatt hours annually. The Department of Defense alone consumes over 29 million megawatt hours. Various statutes authorize federal agencies like the General Services Administration and Department of Defense to enter into multi-year contracts with electric utilities and renewable energy generators to meet their energy needs. These contracts can last up to 30 years and allow agencies to take advantage of incentive programs to reduce energy demand and install efficiency improvements with no upfront capital costs.
This document summarizes the design of nuclear power plants in the United States, including boiling water reactors and pressurized water reactors. It discusses key safety systems like emergency core cooling and containment structures. It also reviews seismic safety considerations, including the shift from deterministic to probabilistic seismic hazard analysis. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission is reassessing seismic risks at some plants in light of updated seismic data and maps.
The document summarizes energy efficiency legislation and policies that apply to the Department of Defense (DOD), including mandates from Congress in the 1970s to reduce energy consumption in federal buildings. It reviews DOD's annual spending on facility energy, which reached $3.5 billion in FY2007, and energy conservation investments exceeding $2.8 billion over the last decade. While DOD reduced its energy usage, costs increased due to higher energy prices. Congress continues seeking further efficiency to contain energy spending in aging DOD facilities and buildings.
1. Congressional Research Service ˜ The Library of Congress
CRS Report for Congress
Received through the CRS Web
Order Code RS22542
November 29, 2006
Nuclear Fuel Reprocessing: U.S. Policy
Development
Anthony Andrews
Specialist in Industrial Engineering and Infrastructure Policy
Resources, Science, and Industry Division
Summary
As part of the World War II effort to develop the atomic bomb, reprocessing
technology was developed to chemically separate and recover fissionable plutonium
from irradiated nuclear fuel. In the early stage of commercial nuclear power,
reprocessing was thought essential to supplying nuclear fuel. Federally sponsored
breeder reactor development included research into advanced reprocessing technology.
Several commercial interests in reprocessing foundered due to economic, technical, and
regulatory issues. President Carter terminated federal support for reprocessing in an
attempt to limit the proliferation of nuclear weapons material. Reprocessing for nuclear
weapons production ceased shortly after the Cold War ended. The Department of
Energy now proposes a new generation of “proliferation-resistant” reactor and
reprocessing technology.
Reprocessingreferstothechemical separationoffissionableuraniumandplutonium
from irradiated nuclear fuel. The World War II-era Manhattan Project developed
reprocessing technology in the effort to build the first atomic bomb. With the
development of commercial nuclear power after the war, reprocessing was considered
necessarybecause of a perceived scarcity of uranium. Breeder reactor technology, which
transmutes non-fissionable uranium into fissionable plutonium and thus produces more
fuel than consumed, was envisioned as a promising solution to extending the nuclear fuel
supply. Commercial reprocessing attempts, however, encountered technical, economic,
and regulatory problems. In response to concern that reprocessing contributed to the
proliferation of nuclear weapons, President Carter terminated federal support for
commercial reprocessing. Reprocessing for defense purposes continued, however, until
the Soviet Union’s collapse brought an end to the Cold War and the production of nuclear
weapons. TheDepartmentof Energy’s latestinitiativeto promotenewreactortechnology
using“proliferation-resistant”reprocessedfuelraisessignificantfundingandpolicyissues
for Congress. U.S. policies that have authorized and discouraged nuclear reprocessing
are summarized below.
2. CRS-2
1
In the amended Atomic Energy Act of 1954 (P.L. 83-703), the term special nuclear material
superseded the term fissionable material and included uranium enriched in isotope 233, material
the AEC determined to be special nuclear material, or any artificially enriched material. Laws
of 83rd
Congress, 2nd
Session, 1118-21.
2
U.S. House of Representatives, Committee on Science and Technology, Subcommittee on
Investigations and Oversight, WestValleyCooperativeAgreementHearing,p.233,July9, 1981.
3
U.S. Department of Energy, Plutonium Recovery from Spent Fuel Reprocessing by Nuclear
Fuel Services at West Valley, New York from 1966 to 1972, February 1996, [http://www.osti.gov/
opennet/document/purecov/nfsrepo.html].
1946. The Atomic Energy Act of 1946 (P.L. 79-585) defined fissionable
materials to include plutonium, uranium-235, and other materials determined to be
capable of releasing substantial quantities of energy through nuclear fission.1
The Act
also created the Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) and transferred production and
control of fissionable materials from the Manhattan Project. As the exclusive producer
of fissionable material, the AEC originally retained title to all such material for national
security reasons.
1954. Congress amended the Atomic EnergyAct, authorized the AEC to license
commercial reactors, and eased restrictions on private companies using special nuclear
material (fissionable material). Section 183 (Terms of Licenses) of the Act, however,
kept government title to all special nuclear material utilized or produced by the licensed
facilities in the United States.
1956. Lewis Strauss, then chairman of the AEC, announced a program to
encourage private industry’s entry into reprocessing spent nuclear fuel.2
1957. The AEC expressed its intent to withdraw from providing nuclear
reprocessing services for spent nuclear fuel in a Federal Register notice of March 22,
1957.
1959. TheDavisonChemical Company,latercalledNuclearFuelServices,began
extensive discussions with the AEC on commercial reprocessing.
1963. The AEC-sponsored Experimental Breeder Reactor (EBR II), constructed
at the Argonne National Laboratory West near Idaho Falls, began operating. Irradiated
fuel was reprocessed by “melt-refining.”
1964. The AEC was authorized to issue commercial licenses to possess special
nuclear material subject to specific licensing conditions (P.L. 88-489).
1966. The AEC granted an operating permit for commercial reprocessing to
Nuclear Fuel Services for the West Valley plant, near Buffalo, NY. The plant operated
from 1966 until 1972, reprocessing spent fuel from the defense weapons program.3
Commercial spent fuel was never reprocessed. Stricter regulatory requirements forced
3. CRS-3
4
CongressionalBudgetOffice,NuclearReprocessingandProliferation:AlternativeApproaches
and their Implications for the Federal Budget, May 1977.
5
65 Federal Register 62766-62767, Oct. 19, 2000: General Electric Company, Morris
Operation; Notice of Docketing, Notice of Consideration of Issuance, and Notice of Opportunity
for a Hearing for the Renewal of Materials License SNM-2500 for the Morris Operation
Independent Spent Fuel Storage Installation.
6
Federal Register, June 3, 1969.
7
Comptroller General, Federal Facilities for Storing Spent Nuclear Fuel — Are they Needed?
June 27, 1979.
the plant’s shutdown for upgrades. The plant was permanently shut down in 1976 after
it was determined that the stricter regulatory requirements could not be met.4
1967. The AEC authorized General Electric Company(GE) to construct a spent
fuel reprocessing facility in Morris, IL.5
1969. The AEC invited public comment on a proposed policy in the form of
Appendix F to 10 C.F.R. Part 50 on siting a fuel reprocessing plant.6
1969. EBRII fuel reprocessing and refabrication operations were suspended.
1970. Allied-General Nuclear Services began constructing a large commercial
reprocessing plant at Barnwell, SC.
1972. GE halted construction and decided not to pursue an operating license for
its Morris reprocessing facility. Instead, GE applied for and received a license to store
spent fuel.7
1974. The AEC determined that anydecision to permit nuclear fuel reprocessing
onalargescalewouldrequireanenvironmentalimpact statementunderSection101(2)(c)
of the National Environmental Policy Act (U.S.C. 4332(2)(c)).
1974. The EnergyReorganization Act (P.L. 93-438), October 11, 1974, split the
AEC into the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) and the Energy Research and
Development Administration (ERDA). The responsibilityfor licensing nuclear facilities
was transferred to the NRC.
1976. Exxon applied for a license to construct a large reprocessing plant but
received no final action on its license application.
1976. In an October 28 nuclear policy statement, President Ford announced his
decision that
the reprocessing and recycling of plutonium should not proceed unless there is sound
reason to conclude that the world community can effectively overcome the associated
risks of proliferation ... that the United States should no longer regard reprocessing
of used nuclear fuel to produce plutonium as a necessary and inevitable step in the
4. CRS-4
8
Gerald R. Ford Presidential Documents, vol. 12, no. 44, pp. 1626-1627, 1976.
9
Jimmy Carter Library, Records of the Speech Writer’s Office, Statement on Nuclear Power
Policy, Apr. 7, 1977.
10
J. Michael Martinez, The Journal of Policy History, “The Carter Administration and the
Evolution of American Nuclear Nonproliferation Policy, 1977 — 1981,” vol. 14, no. 3, 2002.
11
Allied-General Nuclear Services v. United States, no. 87-1902 in the Supreme Court of the
United States, Petition for Writ of Certiorari, October term, 1988.
12
EO 12295, Feb. 24, 1981; EO 12351, Mar. 9, 1982; EO 12409, Mar. 7, 1983; EO 12463, Feb.
23, 1984; EO 12506, Mar. 4, 1985; EO 12554, Feb.28, 1986; EO 12587, Mar. 9, 1987; EO 12629,
Mar. 9, 1988; EO 12670, Mar. 9, 1989; EO 12706, Mar. 9, 1990; EO 12753, Mar. 8, 1991; EO
12791, Mar. 9, 1992; EO 12840, Mar. 9, 1993; EO 12902, Mar. 8, 1994; EO 12955, Mar. 9, 1995.
nuclear fuel cycle, and that we should pursue reprocessing and recycling in the future
only if they are found to be consistent with our international objectives.8
With that announcement, agencies of the executive branch were directed to delay
commercialization of reprocessing activities in the United States until uncertainties were
resolved.
1977. In an April 7 press statement, President Carter announced, “We will defer
indefinitelythe commercial reprocessingand recyclingofplutoniumproducedinthe U.S.
nuclear power programs.”9
He went on to say, “The plant at Barnwell, South Carolina,
will receive neither federal encouragement nor funding for its completion as a
reprocessing facility.” (It was actually Carter’s veto of S. 1811, the ERDA Authorization
Act of 1978, that prevented the legislative authorization necessary for constructing a
breeder reactor and a reprocessing facility.)10
1977. The NRC issued an order terminating the proceedings on the Generic
Environmental Statement on Mixed Oxide Fuel and most license proceedings relating to
plutonium recycling.11
It stated, however, that it would reexamine this decision after two
studies of alternative fuel cycles were completed.
1978. The Nuclear Nonproliferation Act (P.L. 95-242), March 10, 1978,
amended the Atomic EnergyAct of 1954 to establish export licensing criteria that govern
peaceful nuclear exports by the United States, including a requirement of prior U.S.
approval for re-transfers and reprocessing; and a guaranty that no material re-transferred
will be reprocessed without prior U.S. consent.
1980. PresidentCartersignedExecutiveOrder12193,NuclearCooperationWith
EURATOM (45 Federal Register 9885, February 14, 1980), which permitted nuclear
cooperation with the European Atomic Energy Community (EURATOM) to continue to
March 10, 1981, despite the agreement’s lack of a provision consistent with the intent of
the Nuclear Nonproliferation Act requiring prior U.S. approval for reprocessing. This
cooperation was extended through December 31, 1995, by a series of executive orders.12
It has since expired and been replaced by a new agreement.
5. CRS-5
13
“Announcing a Series of Policy Initiatives on Nuclear Energy,” Pub. Papers 903 (Oct. 8, 1981)
in Allied-General Nuclear Services v. United States.
14
Letter to James B. Edwards, Secretary of Energy, from Brian D. Force, Allied Corporation,
Oct. 15, 1981.
15
President’s statement, The White House, Office of the Press Secretary, Washington, DC, July
13, 1992.
1981. President Reagan announced he was “lifting the indefinite ban which
previous administrations placed on commercial reprocessing activities in the United
States.”13
1981. Convinced that the project could not proceed on a private basis and that
reprocessing was commercially impracticable, Allied halted the Barnwell project.14
1982. President Reagan approved the United States Policy on Foreign
Reprocessing of Plutonium Subject to U.S. Control as National Security Decision
Directive 39 (June 4, 1982). Although specific details of the directive have not been
declassified,thepoliciesapprovedpertaintothenonproliferationandstatutoryconditions
for safeguards and physical security for a continued commitment by Japan to
nonproliferation efforts.
1990. In the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1991 (P.L. 101-
510, Sec. 3142), Congress declared under Findings and Declaration of Policy that
[a]t the present time, the United States is observing a de facto moratorium on the
production of fissile materials, with no production of highly enriched uranium for
nuclear weapons since 1964. While the United States has ceased operation of all of
its reactors used for the production of plutonium for nuclear weapons, the Soviet
Union currently operates as many as nine reactors for the production of plutonium for
nuclear weapons.” Also, under Sec. 3143 — Bilateral Moratorium on Production of
Plutonium and Highly Enriched Uranium for Nuclear Weapons and Disposal of
Nuclear Stockpiles, the law urged “an end by both the United States and the Soviet
Union to the production of plutonium and highly enriched uranium for nuclear
weapons.
(In its fullest sense, plutonium production implies reprocessing.)
1992. President G. H. W. Bush disapproved Long Island Power Authority’s
attempt to enter into a contract with the French firm Cogema to reprocess the slightly
irradiated initial core from the decommissioned Shoreham reactor.
1992. PresidentG.H.W.Bushhaltedweaponsreprocessinginapolicystatement
on nuclear nonproliferation declaring: “I have set forth today a set of principles to guide
our nonproliferation efforts in the years ahead and directed a number of steps to
supplement our existing efforts. These steps include a decision not to produce plutonium
and highly enriched uranium for nuclear explosive purposes....”15
1992. Energy Secretary Watkins announced the permanent closure of the
Hanford, WA, PUREX reprocessing plant in December.
6. CRS-6
16
Fact Sheet — Nonproliferation And Export Control Policy, The White House, Office of the
Press Secretary, Sept. 27, 1993.
17
Report of the National Energy Policy Development Group, May 2001.
18
71 Federal Register 44673-44676, Aug. 7, 2006, Notice of Request for Expression of Interest
in a Consolidated Fuel Treatment Center to Support the Global Nuclear Energy Partnership.
1993. President Clinton issued a policy statement on reprocessing stating that
“[t]he United States does not encourage the civil use of plutonium and, accordingly, does
not itself engage in plutonium reprocessing for either nuclear power or nuclear explosive
purposes. The United States, however, will maintain its existing commitments regarding
the use of plutonium in civil nuclear programs in Western Europe and Japan.”16
1995. On November 29, 1995, a new nuclear cooperation agreement with
EURATOM was submitted to Congress. Although the Clinton Administration
determined it met all the requirements of Section 123 a. of the Atomic Energy Act, some
Members believed it did not meet the requirement of prior consent for reprocessing. The
agreement entered into effect in 1996 without a vote.
2001. President Bush’s National Energy Policy included the recommendation
that “[t]he United States should also consider technologies (in collaboration with
internationalpartnerswithhighlydevelopedfuelcyclesandarecordofclosecooperation)
to develop reprocessing and fuel treatment technologies that are cleaner, more efficient,
less waste intensive, and more proliferation-resistant.”17
2006. As part of the ongoing Advanced Fuel Cycle Initiative (AFCI), the
Department of Energy announced that it will initiate work toward conducting an
engineeringscaledemonstrationofthe UREX+ separation process (operation planned for
2011) and developing an advanced fuel cycle facility capable of laboratory development
of advanced separation and fuel manufacturing technologies. UREX refers to the process
of chemically separating uranium from spent nuclear fuel. The AFCI is intended to
developproliferationresistant nucleartechnologiesinassociationwiththeGlobal Nuclear
EnergyPartnership (GNEP) for expanding nuclear power in the United States and around
the world. The Department of Energy later requested an expression of interest from
domestic and international industry in building a spent nuclear fuel recycling and
transmutation facility that would meet GNEP goals.18