The Next Stage in Nuclear Power Development: Improved Pu Usage, Safety, Radioactive Waste and Non-Proliferation Features

Abstract

The aims, status and prospects for nuclear power development are discussed. Large-scale nuclear power development will become both a reality and a socially acceptable way to solve global energy problems in the coming century if a new reactor type using a new fuel technology is adopted in the next few decades. This technological innovation must have the ability to fulfill the following requirements:

• Exploitation of the uranium-plutonium fuel cycle with breeding ratios near 1.0;

• Elimination of severe reactor accidents involving fuel failure and catastrophic radioactivity releases (inherent safety);

• Radioactive waste disposal at uranium mining sites without significantly increasing natural radiation levels;

• Reprocessing technology without uranium-plutonium separation, which enhances protection against the theft of potentially weapons usable fuel;

  and

• Economically competitive nuclear energy production by lowering nuclear power plant costs as compared to modern LWRs.