Interest in nuclear energy continues to grow in many countries as a means to ensure security of energy supply and to limit greenhouse gas emissions from the power sector. In this context, recyclable materials constitute an asset for broadening the resource base for nuclear fuel supply, especially in medium- and long-term perspectives. This report provides an overview of recyclable fissile and fertile materials inventories which can be reused as nuclear fuel. It reviews the options available for managing those materials, through recycling and/or disposal. The potential energetic value of recyclable materials is assessed, taking into account the variability of retrievable energy contents of various materials according to technology and strategy choices made by the owners of the materials.
Table of contents:
Foreword Executive Summary I. Introduction -Background -Objectives, Scope and Approach -The Study in Perspective -Nuclear Fuel Cycle and Fossil Fuels -Other Relevant Studies -Overview of the Report 2. Inventories, Management Issues and Trends -Sources of Recyclable Materials -Inventory and Energy Content of Recyclable Materials -Recycling and Waste Management -Mangement Opportunities and Challenges -Impact of Fuel Cycle Trends on Recycling Uranium and Plutonium 3. Main Management Options -Introduction -Disposal -Recycling -Concluding Comments 4. Indicators for Assessing Management Options -Background -Security of Supply -Infrastructure and Human Resource Requirements -Social Aspects -Environmental Impacts 5. Finding and Conclusions -Main Findings -Main Conclusions and Recommendations
