Spent nuclear fuel from small nuclear reactors would pose a real problem for Australia

Small Modular Reactors: A Challenge for Spent Fuel Management? From the IAEA Bulletin, Irena Chatzis, IAEA Department of Nuclear Energy 11 Aug 19 Small modular reactors (SMRs) have been the talk of scientists and researchers in the nuclear industry for many years — but to what extent will their debut, expected next year, create challenges in spent fuel management? It depends, say experts, on the particular SMR design and a country’s existing spent fuel management practices……

Globally, there are about 50 SMR designs and concepts at different stages of development. ….. Countries with established nuclear power programmes have been managing their spent fuel for decades. They have gained extensive experience and have proper infrastructure in place. For these countries, management of spent fuel arising from SMRs shouldn’t pose a challenge if they opt to deploy SMRs based on current technologies, said Christophe Xerri, Director of the Division of Nuclear Fuel Cycle and Waste Technology at the IAEA.

“Since this type of small modular reactor will be using the same fuel as conventional, large nuclear power plants, its spent fuel can be managed in the same way as that of large reactors,” Xerri said…..

Countries that are new to nuclear power should carefully consider spent fuel management and establish a relevant infrastructure as they work on introducing nuclear energy. They will need to do this even if they choose conventional nuclear power plants or SMRs based on current technologies. “They will face more challenges if they opt for first-of-a-kind or less-established technology, as there will be less experience and fewer benchmarks for managing the entire fuel cycle,” Xerri said. “Solutions for managing spent fuel and radioactive waste arising from SMRs will be one of the most important factors to take into account when choosing a technology, along with the security of fuel supply.” …… https://www.iaea.org/newscenter/news/small-modular-reactors-a-challenge-for-spent-fuel-management

August 12, 2019 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | technology, wastes

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